Obituary of Theresa Basa Magbanua

Our beautiful, loving, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Theresa Yturriaga Basa Magbanua, known affectionately as “Tela” passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 1, 2024 at her Simi Valley, CA home at 94 years old.

Born on February 25, 1930 in St Paul's hospital, Iloilo City, Philippines, to Nicolasita Lapastora Yturriaga of Iloilo, Philippines and Mariano Gomez Basa of Cavite City, Philippines, she was the fifth out of thirteen children. 

She led a life filled with love, dedication and family values that left an incredible mark on all who knew her. 

On July 3, 1954 Theresa married Juanito Hallares Magbanua whom she met in college (VCC). The marriage produced seven children. 

Theresa is survived by her siblings, Josephine Segovia, Nellie Gazo, Natividad Basa, and Vicente Basa, as well as her children Robert Magbanua (My Phuc Bui Le), Josephine Jones, Susie Mae Abad (Edname Abad), Beverly Bacera (Jess Bacera), Maria Theresa Tuminez (Edward Tuminez), Leah Jean Gazo, Bernard Magbanua (Annabelle Palmares).

Grandkids: Michael & Lauren, Mark & Mami, Paul, Mitchell, Matthew & Veronica, Michelle. Nicole & Steven Parks, Steven & Josalie, Jasper Kevin, Heather. Tiffany & Adam, Ralph Edward, Iris Charmaine. Priscilla Stacy, Keanna. Kim. 

Great grandkids: Mae, Connor, Benjamin, Emilia.

Memories and Highlights of her life:

-Her great-grandmother Lola Eusebia took care of her during her early childhood, as a result they developed a very strong bond.

-During her high school years in Duenas, she was crowned as the town “Fiesta First Princess” and the first “Miss Duenas High School”. She was part of the welcoming committee to greet visiting dignitaries from the Malacanang Palace, including the Philippines President Elpidio Quirino and his daughter Vicky.

-Theresa was asked to grace the cover of the local Yuhum magazine and modeled gowns by well known designer Ben Natividad.

-Theresa was a Class President and Class Representative in college.

-Theresa loved volunteering for local charities/organizations 

-Theresa’s love of food, adventure and travel took her to many places, one of her favorites being Vietnam.

As an educator she gave us the gift and magic of fairy tales, history, political highlights and enchanting folklore and mythology.

In the last weeks of her life, family members from Japan, Australia, Florida, Utah, and California flew in to spend unforgettable moments with her. 

She had a strong conviction in the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served as a Relief Society President. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

Viewing and service to be held in: 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sinaloa Chapel, 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley, California, 93065-5431, United States

Phone: 805-587-9376

10:00 am family viewing in Relief Society room

11:00 am Funeral Service

Her remains will eventually be brought to the Philippines to be interred in the family mausoleum.

Flowers will be appreciated.