Jane Thompson Masalunga

Jane Thompson Masalunga, daughter of Bart and Nena Thompson was born in Paco, Manila Philippines at their home on June 4, 1949. She was the youngest of five children. Jane grew up in Paco and went to high school and college at the Philippines Women’s University in Manila to pursue a degree in Economics. Jane and her mother Nena immigrated to Oakland, California in the early 70’s thanks to Jane‘s father Bart who was in the US Army. Mama Nena and Jane in the meantime, lived with her older brother John and sister-in-law Grace Thompson until they found a permanent residence in Oakland. Jane and Mama Nena went back to the Philippines in 1974. Jane married her neighborhood sweetheart Jose “Mello” Masalunga on December 26, 1974. Mello and Jane established a residence in 1975 in Oakland. They later were blessed with two wonderful and handsome children, Jonas and Jules, both born in Oakland. During the mid/late 1970s, Jane worked for Security National Bank that later became Hibernia Bank in Oakland. She later changed employment to the Oakland Unified School District from 1981 to 2011 as an accountant for Accounts Payable Department. Jane retired in June 2011. Her many years of service not only gave her joy and accomplishment, but also wonderful colleagues who became part of her family. In addition, Jane was a highly devoted Catholic since she was young. She attended and supported the churches she resided. Recently, Jane would support both St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Vallejo and Holy Family Catholic Church in American Canyon. Jane’s weekly or monthly routine would consist of attending all First Friday masses, Holy Days of Obligations and Sunday Mass. She always looked forward to her first Friday breakfast at Buttercup Kitchen in Vallejo with her church sisters. Jane was not only passionate about her faith, but she also truly loved traveling. In the early 70’s when she was single she traveled to Boston, Rhode Island, New York, Los Angeles, and Arizona within three years! She would travel with her best friends Elvie and Lucy in the East Coast and the West Coast she would travel with Joy, Ed and Mama Nena. Fast forward to 2011, when Jane retired, she traveled all over Europe, London, Egypt, The Holy Land, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. Jane definitely was a savvy traveler during her retirement years. Jane also frequented the casinos. She loved going to Cache Creek, Graton & an occasional Las Vegas trip. She loved the penny slots & the rush of the slot machines. Even though Jane may have lost or won a little, she always went out of her way to take care of the people who worked at the casino. From the front desk, waiters & waitresses. They treated Jane like she was part of their family. Above all, the way Jane lived her life was a true manifestation of unwavering faith, love and devotion to God to the love of her life and to her children. Her family is truly grateful to God for blessing us with a loving and caring mother, wife, auntie, grandma and friend. Jane is survived by her husband, Jose (Mello) Masalunga, sons Jonas and Jules Masalunga, sisters Norma Obusan & Den Ramirez, Brother John Thompson, Nephew John Thompson, Niece-in-Law Jeanette Thompson & Granddaughter Katelin Thompson.

Tributes

Jane Thompson Masalunga

June 5, 1949 - July 7, 2022