Leticia Musa Pontanares' Obituary
Celebrating the Life of Leticia Musa Pontanares
Leticia (Letty) Musa Pontanares, 87
Chula Vista, CA
Passed on Thursday, April 11th, 2024
Letty, short for Leticia, was born on September 18, 1936, in Manila, Philippines, to Juan and Graciniana Musa. She was the sixth child among 14 siblings. Letty attended Odiogan Elementary and Odiogan High School in Romblon, Philippines, and pursued nursing in college. In 1957, she married Manolito Orara, a US Navy serviceman, and they relocated from the Philippines to San Diego, California. During the early 1970s, she began working at Eurpac Inc., a music distribution company in San Diego, where she stayed until 1999. Letty retired at the age of 62 and started enjoying precious moments with her granddaughter, Erica.
In 1978, she married Lucio Pontanares, and they were together for 18 years. Letty had a talent for playing the piano, while Lucio enjoyed singing and music. They often played, sang, and danced together at home and at social gatherings with friends. Lucio was a member of the Bicol Club of San Diego, and they both liked attending club events, parties, and dances. Letty also played the piano for the Bicol club choir, enjoying music and socializing at holiday functions and gatherings.
Later in life, Letty cherished spending time with her church friends Tina and Linda, as well as her Sunday brunch group Lorrie, Bob and Yoly. She also enjoyed socializing with her close friends Lydia, Rose, and Lotte. Together, they would drive to the nursing facility in Eastlake every week, where Letty volunteered by playing the piano for the residents.
Letty was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chula Vista and eagerly anticipated seeing her many friends on Sundays. She was deeply devoted to her faith, demonstrating her love through her caring nature towards family and friends, and by offering constant prayers for those around her.
Letty is survived by her four sisters: Marcia Cruz, Myrna Apelizan, Teresita Hermoso, and Nanette Noche, her sons Philip and Reynaldo, stepchildren Lucio Jr. (Happy), Reno, Benilda Cabral, Villa Pontanares, and Manolito Orara Jr., as well as numerous beloved grandchildren.
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.” - Irving Berlin
What’s your fondest memory of Leticia?
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Describe a day with Leticia you’ll never forget.
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