Luzviminda Santos Bertulano

Luzviminda Santos Bertulano, lovingly known as “Vemie” or “Luz,” was born on September 8, 1947 in Parañaque, Philippines to Criselda and Vinancio. She was the third of four siblings. During her time in the Philippines, she received a bachelor’s degree from the National Teacher College. In 1974, she came to the United States by way of her father and first came to Virginia. In 1977, she met the love of her life Demetrio Bertulano through a mutual friend. Luzviminda and Demetrio married and settled in Carson, CA where they raised their two children Michael and Stephanie. Luzviminda worked at an electronic factory, the 99 Cents store, and was a homemaker. She was an active member in the Maragondon Association of Southern California, helping to plan annual town fiesta celebrations to keep her family and community connected to their Filipino heritage, culture, and traditions. She was well loved by all of her colleagues, extended family, and friends.

Luzviminda enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: watching Filipino shows, going out to eat, getting her Thai tea boba from Flying Chopstix, and spending quality time with family. She especially loved attending school programs and annual recitals to watch her grandchildren sing, dance, and perform musical compositions—in awe of their natural talents and abilities. Luzviminda will be remembered for her responsible and caring nature: always making sure the family was well fed, cared for, and rested. She was known to check on family and friends often, and would give small gifts to the little ones every chance she got. A devoted mother, wife, and lola, Luzviminda was selfless in nature: always putting those she loved and cared for before herself. Being a lola was surely her favorite and most worthy appointment during her time here on earth.

On May 4, 2026, Luzviminda ended her battle with Stage 4 ovarian cancer, surrounded by her family in Torrance, CA. Though we are saddened by her passing from this realm, we are assured knowing that she lived a full and meaningful life. Luzviminda is survived by her husband Demetrio, her children Michael and Stephanie, and her grandchildren Mykel, Matthew, Michael Jr., Abigail, Alaina, and Audrey.