Carmelita Valle Lozano

January 7, 1925 - December 31, 2023

Carmelita Valle Lozano was born in Navotas, Metro Manila, Philippines on January 7, 1925, and passed away peacefully in her home, as she wished, at 98 years young, on December 31, 2023, just one week shy of her 99th birthday. She was born to Marcos and Basilia Valle and had six brothers and one sister. Carmelita earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas and North General Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. She spent her early nursing career in various states (New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Montana) before settling in San Francisco in 1958, where she met the love of her life, Agustin “Gus” Lozano. They married in 1959 and were together for 35 years until his passing in 1994. She loved Gus immensely. Carmelita also loved her work as an Emergency Room registered nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco for over 20 years. She was also known as “Tia Nene”, “Grandma” and “Ninang (godmother)” to many and she spent her life dedicated to the betterment of those around her. Carmelita enriched the lives of family, friends and community through her long career as a registered nurse, funding relatives through school, and many years volunteering in the community at St. Michael’s Church and Church of the Visitacion choir. She volunteered well into her 90s at St. Anthony’s and stated “I feel so blessed that I am given this opportunity to do something for the people who are less fortunate. It makes me feel rich. I feel very rich in my heart...I just keep on going as long as I can go.” She was a non-stop force, always on the go. Carmelita was an avid traveler, whether it was internationally or locally; she was always looking forward to her next adventure and inviting those around her to join her at every opportunity. She would be the first one off the tour bus and the last one to get back on. Everyone had a hard time keeping up! She was an avid gardener, taking great pride in her San Francisco backyard. Carmelita loved all music, art, dance and food, always sharing her experiences with everyone. Carmelita attended festivals, parades and anything that exposed her to any experiences that would enrich her life, a philosophy she passed down to many of us. She opened her doors to many and hosted many fantastic parties in her home including New Year’s Eve with belly dancers and string quartets. We were always surrounded by music and most importantly, love. She had the heart of an angel but was also a true example of a strong, independent woman, who lived her life to its fullest. Carmelita always said she lived a good life and was blessed. We believe it was those she leaves behind that were blessed to have had her in our lives.

Carmelita is survived by brothers, Jovito and Rolando Valle, their families, and many, many family members and friends around the world who will miss her tremendously.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Vigil services on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, January 11, 2024, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue in Daly City. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Church of the Visitacion in San Francisco on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11 am. Carmelita will be laid to rest at Golden Gate National Cemetery alongside her loving husband, Agustin, and daughter, Carmelita.