Pilar Villaluz Nazareno, 91, passed away on December 13, 2024, surrounded by family in Essex Fells, NJ.

Pilar was born in Naic Cavite , Philippines, and came to the United States in 1973 with her beloved husband, Teodoro J. Nazareno, determined to build a bright future for their family and legacy that would span generations. Their journey eventually led them to Bloomfield, NJ, where they resided for a majority of their lives. Prior to Pilar’s retirement, she built a successful career as a dentist and dedicated early years of her career at Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Yet, it was her relationships – with family, friends, and God – that truly defined her. Her devotion as a wife of 54 years to Teodoro and love and dedication to her five children was boundless. Her care extended to their partners, her nine grandchildren who she helped raise, and her two great grandchildren. The greatest joys of her life were found in spending time with her extended family, and her friends whom she considered family. A woman of deep faith, she was an active parishioner at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield and a passionate member of their Prayer Group for many years.

She will be remembered and deeply missed as a woman who gave so much of herself through love, laughter, motherhood, food, and friendship. She is survived by her children Audie and his wife Edna, Glenn and his wife Maria, Dennis and his wife Leonor, Judy Villafranca and her late husband, Victor, Teddy and Gosia; cherished grandchildren Edward, Laurel, Jeff, Andrew, Chris, Arial, Erica, Allen, and Sophia; and loving great grandchildren Gwenn and Noa.

A celebration of Pilar's life will be held on Friday, December 20 from 4 to 9 P.M. at Shook's Cedar Grove Funeral Home, 486 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove, N.J. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, December 21 at 9:30 AM. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 60 Byrd Ave., Bloomfield, with entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington, N.J.