Obituaries

Long time Union City (Alvarado) resident and prominent community member, Isabel Barlaan Loyola, passed away March 20, 2017 with family by her side. Born in San Juan, La Union, Philippines to Modesta Sarmiento and Filomeno Barlaan, she came to the United States as a WWII War Bride in October 1946 with her daughter, Judy Jane. She was a dynamic member of her community. Together with her husband, Ambrose, they owned and operated Loyola Garage and Gas Station in Old Alvarado for over 25 years. She was also owner-director of Loyola Pre-School for 25 years and well known as “Teacher Is.” The pre-school was one of the first private early childhood education fa¬cilities in Union City. At this site today, stands the Loyola Building, honoring their legacy.

Throughout her life, Isabel was active in multiple civic af¬fairs. Her introduction into her new community was first as a writer for the town newspaper, the “Alvarado Pioneer.” She held many leadership positions in the Filipino Catmon Association; the Filipino Community of Alameda County & Vicinity; founder of the Sampaguita Filipino Dance Troup; Nina Vand Zant Fraternal Organization; Alvarado PTA; Alvarado 4-H Club; Veterans of Foreign Wars Women’s Auxiliary #7906, Niles; American Legion Rizal Post; Union City’s Incorporation; Chabot College Advisory Board; Cal State Hayward Bond Committee; American Cancer Society. She was a parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church for over 70 years and upon retirement from the pre-school, she was active with SPRED (Special Religious Development) Ministry.

Above all, most important to her were the blessings of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with whom she loved spending time celebrating, cooking, and traveling.

She is survived by her son Bruce (Laurie Jo) Bruan, daughters Judy (Wayne) Young, Lu (Steven) Tipping, Elizabeth (Steve) Swason, son Ambrose Loyola Jr., 16 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. She was the devoted wife to the late Manuel Epamasino Bruan and the late Ambrose Luzano Loyola. She was also preceded in death by her eldest daughter Aurora Bruan.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2-4pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA. A Vigil will be held Thursday, March 30, 5-8pm with a Rosary at 6:30pm, and Vigil Service at 7pm at St. Anne Catholic Church, 32223 Cabello St., Union City, CA. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 31, 10:30am, also at St. Anne Catholic Church. A burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.