Thelma Laxina Gamboa

Thelma Laxina Gamboa, beloved wife, mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, after living 82 years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to her family.

 

Born in Macabebe, Pampanga, Philippines, Thelma was the daughter of Theodoro and Lodia Laxina, and a loving sister to six siblings.  A proud graduate of Pampanga College, she pursued a career as an educator and was known as an outstanding volleyball player during her college years.

 

She married the love of her life, Antonio Gamboa, with whom she raised five sons: Antonio Jr.,  Allan (1963-2016), Ariel, Arnold, and Alex.  Their unconditional love for each other was unmatched, a beautiful example of lifelong commitment and joy.  They were married for 65 wonderful years.

 

In 1990, Thelma moved to the United States, where she worked for Byer California in San Francisco until her well-earned retirement.  Though her career was meaningful, her heart was always with her family.  She was a devoted and loving mother who took great pride in raising her sons and later found even deeper happiness watching them grow their own families.  Though she mourned the loss of her son Allan in 2016, we take comfort in knowing they are now reunited in heaven.  Her 17 grandchildren brought her endless delight, and she was always filled with love and laughter in their presence.  Watching her 13 great-grandchildren grow was one of her greatest blessings.

 

Thelma deeply valued family, cherishing every moment spent at gatherings filled with food, stories, and laughter.  She was adored by her many nieces and nephews and held a special place in the lives of all who knew her.

 

She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures like daily walks, shoe shopping, a nice hot cup of coffee (Nescafé Taster’s Choice, to be exact) and the occasional thrill of playing the slot machines.  One of her fondest memories was being a contestant on the lottery TV game show The Big Spin in 1993.  Though she didn’t win big, she had the time of her life and relished the adventure.

 

In her final year, Thelma bravely fought a long battle with lung complications.  Throughout this difficult time, she was surrounded by the unwavering love and support of her husband Antonio, their sons, and her family, who stood by her side every step of the way.

 

Thelma’s warm smile, strength, and generous spirit touched everyone around her.  Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, cherished and remembered always.