Veronica De Jesus Fortaleza

Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.

Forest Lawn Cypress Mortuary
Viewing (2/19-2/20) 5pm-9pm

St. Pius Catholic Church
7691 Orangethorpe Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621
Funeral Mass - 12pm

Artesia Cemetery
11142 Artesia Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703
Burial - 1:15pm

Gerrys Grill
11710 South St, #107 Artesia CA 90701
Funeral Reception

Veronica De Jesus Fortaleza, 87, born on April 28, 1932, in Philippines, passed away January 29, 2020. She resided in Artesia, CA at the time of her passing.


On April 28, 1932 in Castilejos, Zambales, Philippines, Francisco De Jesus and Alejandra Blanco De Jesus gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Veronica De Jesus Fortaleza. She was the youngest of two, her older brother was Lauro De Jesus.

Growing up Veronica paved her way through school graduating the nursing program from University of Santo Tomas with honors then starting her flourishing her career at Iba Zambeles Hospital. She would then later get her Masters from USC and become a Registered Nurse Practitioner.

Veronica met Alexander Fortaleza at a party in Castillejos in 1957 and knew in that moment that he would be the love of her life. After a whirlwind romance, the couple got married January 27, 1958 and lived in marital bliss for over 58 year. This long lasting union produced three sons, Francis, Paul, Joel, one daughter Maria Consuelo, and five grandchildren, Jacquelyn, Justin, Francyne, Alexandria, and Katrina.

Alexander and Veronica migrated to New York in 1960, and the United States was their oyster, exploring the places where the US Navy assigned Alexander. Veronica and Alexander settled in Southern California in 1968, and then eventually remained in Artesia, California.

Veronica was a proud Nurse Practitioner working at Martin Luther King Los Angeles County Hospital in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). After diligently working for over 30 years, she finally retired in 2001.
Much as she was loyal in her duties as a nurse, she spent the rest of her life devoted with the same fervor to her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing the piano, reading, playing cards, and sewing.

Veronica was the matriarch of her clan, looked up to by her family for her strict principles and high moral values. She was devout and had a firm belief in God, hardly missed Sunday masses except during the time when she found it more and more difficult to move around. She believed passionately in the power of the rosary. She prayed the rosary several times daily, not just for her own intentions but also for other people's. She was a generous and thoughtful, kind women.

Veronica will leave a void in the lives of her family and all who knew her, but she will forever remain in their hearts and memories.

Farewell, Lola, until we meet again.