Aurora Fermin

Aurora Galve Fermin, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025—Thanksgiving Day—exactly the way she wanted: at home, surrounded by her family, and with plenty of food. Aurora was born on October 26, 1940, in the Philippines to the late Nemensio and Rosa (Baluyot) Galve. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Leonardo E. Fermin, and by her brother German (Celia†) Galve. She is survived by her children: Reydante (Minerva) Fermin, Marcelino (Amelita) Fermin, Joel (Michele) Fermin and Josylin Mateus. The eldest of eight children, Aurora grew up in Mandaluyong, Manila, and was cherished by her siblings: Julita (Juanito†) Roque, Felicula (Generoso) Roque, Restituto (Yolanda) Galve, Anmia (Ronald†) Dizon, Hildegardes Galve, and Elena (Danilo†) Regis. She was a loving grandmother to Merica (Scott) Nemode, Mericelle (Joseph) Pond, Meriah (Marty) Papesh, Reyanna, Matthew, Joshua, Melissa, Marcus Fermin, and Maria Paula Mateus, and a proud great-grandmother to Marceline, Johannah, Marian, Josephine, Harrison, and Jack. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews in the Philippines, Maelene Galve in California, and to Susanah (Joseph) Courville in Texas. Aurora was a devoted wife and mother who stayed home to raise her children until her youngest entered school. Determined to help her family live the American dream, she worked tirelessly—babysitting, catering, and eventually joining General Motors, where she retired. It was there she formed cherished lifelong friendships with Bobbie Craft and Mary Graham, whom she loved like her own children. Aurora and her husband were immensely proud to see their children graduate from college and trade school, and they supported many nieces and nephews in the Philippines in pursuing their own education. Known affectionately as Nanay, Aurora lived her Catholic faith openly and joyfully. She served for many years as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister at St. Anastasia and instilled prayer in her grandchildren, who remember sleepovers at her home praying the Rosary before the Blessed Virgin Mary. Aurora and Leonardo created a lifetime of memories traveling across the United States in their RV, taking their children and grandchildren on yearly camping trips. After retirement, they were blessed to travel the world with her brother and sister-in-law, Renato† and Remedios Fermin. Aurora’s greatest joy was her home—a place always filled with cooking, hospitality, laughter, and love. She had a beautiful singing voice, enjoyed music, restaurant outings, shopping, and lively games of mahjong. Fierce, brave, strong, and adventurous, she loved deeply and protected her family without hesitation. Aurora will be profoundly missed by all who loved her. Rest in peace, Nanay.

Aurora Fermin

October 26, 1940 - November 27, 2025