Obituary

Virginia R. Bruner
Nov. 3, 1938 – Oct. 25, 2023

Virginia “Virgie” R. Bruner, age 84, of Newport Beach and recently of Aliso Viejo, California, peacefully passed away on October 25, 2023. Born on November 3, 1938, in Hagonoy Bulacan, Philippines. Virginia was the eldest daughter of Josefa Raymundo and Victoriano Basañes. She had five siblings: Lolita (deceased), Norma, Minda, Victoriano (deceased), and Teresita. She is survived by her only daughter, Joy Tiongson, son-in-law, Edwin Tiongson, and grandson, Dylan Tiongson.

Virgie grew up in the Bulacan Province of the Philippines. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines her family had to go into hiding to avoid capture. Much of the family belongings were lost during WWII. At a very young age she was tasked to care for her younger siblings while her parents worked. Despite these difficult times they persevered by working at the local fish markets to provide food for the family. Eventually Virgie was able to advance her education.

While studying at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila she met her first husband, Danilo Calara, and had her only daughter, Joy.  Soon after, Virginia worked for the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Catholic Trade in Manila as a secretary to the printing press manager, Brother Andre Hotchkiss. She was very involved with the activities provided through Catholic Trade including participating in the ladies volleyball league called the Brown Bombers.

In the early 1980’s, Virgie moved abroad to the United States and took the position as a nanny for the Aquino family (Paul, Lorna, Audrey, Rhea, and Conrad).  She understood the sacrifice of leaving her only daughter behind in the Philippines to relatives, so that she could pursue better opportunities that will eventually provide a better quality of life for her family.

After working for several years for the Aquino family, she met her second husband, Kenneth A. Bruner.  They eloped to Las Vegas, NV and their marriage was later blessed by the catholic church at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Shortly after they were married, they sponsored Virgie’s daughter to come to the United States. After about five years, Virgie flew to the Philippines to reunite with her daughter and bring her to America.

At home in Newport Beach, Virginia was involved in many activities at her church including being in the choir and participating in the Ladies Guild.  She also participated in a ladies social group called the Thursday Morning Club, where she met longtime friends to go out on various outings. She enjoyed throwing parties with lots of homemade Filipino food. Virginia loved her garden and surrounded herself with fresh flowers. You may have seen her zooming around in her red sporty Fiat while taking short trips to local casinos with friends and sometimes trips to Vegas to try her luck at the penny slot machines.  When her grandson was born, she treasured spending time with him and spoiled him with chocolates every chance she could.

Virginia truly lived her life to the fullest and she will be missed by all who knew her.