Aurora Gabriel Viray's Obituary
Aurora Gabriel Viray, age 102, passed away on February 14, 2025, at 7:19 am at Kaiser Hospital Redwood City, leaving a void her family cannot fill.
She was a devoted mother to her children, Dalia Gabriel Viray, Emily Viray Alvarez (Joe Alvarez), and Richard Gabriel Viray (Elaine Viray). Her grandchildren, Kristine de Guzman (John Martinez), Gregory Gaviola (Alanna Grant), Galvin Gaviola (Emi Gaviola), Joel Alvarez (Abby Tran), Kelly Daniels Viray (Yuri Daniels), and Natalie Viray. Her great-grandchildren, Kobe Turangan, Sara Turangan, James Rodriguez, Jarren Alvarez, Keiko Gaviola Grant, Baby Gaviola Grant, Maila Gaviola, Kylian Daniels Viray, and Enzo Daniels Viray. She is preceded in death by her husband Benjamin Viray, her parents, Bonifacio Gabriel and Roberta Gabriel, and her nine other siblings.
She was born on November 17, 1922, in Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines, and moved to Manila, where she met and married her husband, Benjamin Viray, who had just joined the US Army in 1945. She stayed in Manila while her husband was assigned to various posts until he requested her to join him in Japan, where he was stationed in 1953. She bravely left her secure life with three young children and ventured to new beginnings to provide a better life for their family. After staying in Japan for three years, and a brief visit to Manila, the family embarked on a month-long trip by ship to San. Francisco, California (1956). Her husband was stationed at Fort Ord, California. The family resided in Salinas for several years until their retirement. They moved to Fremont, California, in 1981 to be closer to their family. Together, they built a foundation that would support generations to come.
Aurora was a very friendly, wonderful, and giving person. She brought laughter to gatherings and was loved by all who met her. She was a woman with many passions. She found joy in dancing and music. She cooked meals that became family traditions, loved gardening, and was so happy to show what she grew. She was a seamstress as well; making outfits for her children and friends. Watching her grandchildren participate in their sports activities was one of her favorite weekend passions. She traveled long distances to watch their games. Organizing parties in her home throughout the year was a favorite pastime. She and her husband welcomed many newcomers from the Philippines to their homes to help them adjust to the American way of life.
Because she had to stop her education early to help provide for her family, she was determined that her children and grandchildren complete their education and as a result be able to live comfortably. She supported them throughout their education and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Aurora was devoted to her family. Each of us carries a piece of her heart and legacy. Her legacy is not just in the years she lived, but the lives she touched. Her absence is truly felt by the family and relatives. She was the light of our lives and though she is no longer physically with us, her love, lessons, and laughter will remain in our hearts forever.
The Prayer Vigil will take place on March 6, 2025, from 3 pm to 7 pm at Skylawn Memorial Park, San Mateo, and the Funeral Mass will be held the following day March 7, 2025, at 10 am at St. Charles Church in San Carlos, CA.
What’s your fondest memory of Aurora?
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Share a story where Aurora's kindness touched your heart.
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