Josepha Kaay Lumbao

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our much-loved, Josepha “Soping” Kaay Lumbao, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 in Torrance, California. She lived a deeply fulfilling and committed life as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She had four siblings: Francisco (“Koya”), Lucia, Alfredo (“Fredo”) and Raymond.

She was born on November 14, 1938 in Honolulu, Hawai’i, to Regina and Teodoro Kaay. She was fortunate enough to grow up in Hawaii while much of it was still untouched by commercialization. Josepha endured many challenges growing up in the early 40’s such as contracting polio, experienced the bombing of Pearl Harbor in WWII, and financial hardships. Despite these hardships, Josepha persevered and continued to help and provide for her family. The lessons she learned growing up would shape her into the kind, loving, selfless, and family-oriented woman that we all know.

In 1957, at age 19, Josepha met the love of her life and future husband of sixty four years, Romulo (“Romy”) Lumbao, who was originally from the Bicol Region of the Philippines. Romy enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Honolulu where they met. This chance meeting from halfway across the Pacific Ocean soon blossomed into love and eventual marriage followed by six children: Janet, Kathleen, Romulo Jr., Leilani, Rochelle, and Darrin. The varied birthplaces of the children plotted the family’s military station assignments in New Orleans, the Philippines, Hawai’i, and Massachusetts, before landing in Connecticut. After 20 years in the military, Romy and Josepha would eventually settle down in Harbor City, California in order to be closer to her brother, Fredo.

Josepha was a strong, steadfast, generous, and selfless mother who very much supported her husband and family. Due to the ways of military life and living on a fixed military income, Josepha had to learn how to cook and innovate simple recipes for her family. She did not consider herself a good cook initially, but, over time, she became known by the entire family for her home cooking. One time, she was so embarrassed by making pancakes that didn’t rise. However, these now called, “sticky pancakes”, were so delicious and loved by the family, that it became a family favorite over the years.
Although Josepha continued to work and have a career of her own, family always came first. Family values of love, respect, strong work ethic, loyalty, character, faith, gratitude and unity were emphasized in raising her family. Although she was caring and nurturing, Josepha was also very honest and blunt and would “tell it like it is”.

As the years went by, their children grew up and had children of their own who called her “Grammy” or “Moma”. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren: Jenna, Christopher, Leanne, Cynthia, Wesley, Brian, Derrick, Tristan, Devon, Alena, Tyler, Aiden, Kaia, Justin, Branden, Gunnar and one on the way. Time moved quickly and the love grew in the family as her grandchildren began starting their own families, thus, promoting her to “Mama-Great”. She was blessed with 9 great grandchildren: Kaci, Landon, Kadence, Aly, Wyatt, Ethan, Mackenzie, Samantha, Keanu and two more on the way.

Josepha loved having the family gather at her home, surrounding the dinner table, and eating the wonderful family favorite dishes she learned and cultivated over the years. She created a warm and inviting home full of love that brought everyone to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. She also had it in her spirit to travel and never passed up an opportunity to go far and wide; whether that be to Europe with her children or visiting her extended family back in Hawaii. She also enjoyed taking annual trips to Las Vegas where she would share her love with her family by treating them to her favorite buffets after one of her many “winning spins” at the slot machines.

Josepha fought cancer not once in her life, but three times: cervical, breast, and liver. She was incredibly strong, trusted God, never complained about this burden, and would always say she was “fine and okay.” Throughout her life and example, her family knows what resilience, love, a life with Christ, and perseverance truly looked like.

Within the last few months, the six children took their Mom and Dad to Catalina Island to spend quality time, reminisce the past treasured memories, and discuss the hope of our future. The family made a final trip “back home” to Hawaii this past July. So many beautiful memories were created with so much love and laughter across four generations.

Josepha’s commitment to her family and friends was unwavering. She’ll forever be missed by all those who knew and cherished her.

She is survived by her husband, Romy, her brother, Fredo, her six children, sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The viewing ceremony will be held on Friday October 28th (5:00pm - 8:30pm) and the funeral ceremony/burial will take place on Saturday October 29th (2:00pm) at the Green Hills Mortuary Chapel/Memorial Park.