Nena Valbuena

Nena was born on December 8, 1944, in San Lorenzo, San Nicolas Philippines to parents Filomena and Valentin Pascua who were successful entrepreneurs of the agricultural field and livestock business. The eldest of four sisters, Nena attended Bingao Elementary, Ilocos Norte National High School and then graduated with her Bachelor's Degree of Theology from Luzon Bible College in Binalonan, Pangasinan Philippines in 1965. After two years she attended Northern Christian College in Laoag City to study a secretarial course. Thereafter, she became a teacher at Luzon Bible College for four years. She also sang on a spiritual radio broadcasting network in Laoag City. She dedicated most of her time serving at all Assemblies of God churches in the Ilocos Norte region.

She met her late husband Policarpo Valbuena who traveled to the Philippines to meet her in December 1978. They were married the following month on January 6, 1979. Nena came to California and became a United States Citizen in November 1979. A short while after, she and her husband settled down in Watsonville. Her first job was as an assembly worker in Freedom.

Nena and Policarpo welcomed their only daughter, Deborah Pauleen Valbuena, on March 26, 1982. Nena was widowed when her husband Policarpo passed away on January 12, 1987. Nena stayed a widow and continued to work hard as an electronics assembly worker for several companies and later as a caregiver at retirement homes for assisted living, memory care and private care. She attended Grace Temple Assemblies of God and Redemption Church in San Jose.

Nena is survived by her only daughter, Deborah Camat; son-in-law, Julius; grand-daughters, Naleia and Scarlett; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gemima and Herminio Aguinaldo, Charlesa Estelita and Felix Bautista, and Febhe Glory and Ricardo Fortuno; nieces and spouses, Jingle and Dave Alvaro, Dina Eden and Ace Taguinod; nephews and spouses, Jonathan and Josie Aguinaldo and George and Mary Rose Aguinaldo; grand-nephews and nieces, John Mark and Ely Aguinaldo, Kathleen, A.C, Marky, David Johannes, David Jacques and Dominique Jean.

Nena's favorite things to do were attending church activities, singing praise and worship songs, cooking, sight-seeing, taking walks, going to the beach and spending time with her family, and granddaughters. Nena was an incredibly loving and selfless mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter. It made her happy to serve others and bring others to know and draw closer to God. She will be remembered fondly and deeply missed.

A viewing and visitation will take place at Mehl's Colonial Chapel 222 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2-4pm. Service will follow at 4pm.

Published in The Pajaronian · January 7, 2026