Carmelita Alina

Carmelita Salazar Alina passed peacefully at St. Michael Hospital in Sillverdale WA, Thursday morning, 22May 2025. Devoted mother, loving grandmother, enduring friend and generous neighbor. Known as "Lita" to many and "Nene" to those that loved her. Carmelita's life was defined by her strength, devotion to family and supportive friend.

Born Carmelita Iso Salazar on July 9, 1944 in Makati, Philippines, Lita was third eldest of nine sibling and the eldest sister, she took role as nurturing caregiver to her younger siblings. While studying nursing at the Far East University, she was introduced by a fellow classmate, Cecilia Calma Alina, to a U.S. Navy sailor and future husband, Jesus "Jay" Calma Alina, also from Metro Manila, Philippines. After their loving courtship and in romantic fashion, Lita and Jay eloped, got married, and shared loving marriage of 55 years, until Jay's passing in October 2021. They built a home founded on love, laughter and faith.

During her life, Lita worked at Navy Base Galley, and Sears Department store in Jacksonville, Florida in the early 1970's, then employed at scholastic scantron test scoring facility in Seaside, California in mid-1970's. In 1979, after tranfering to Bremerton, Washington, Lita worked as a sales representative for J.C. Penney department store in Downtown Bremerton and eventual moving to the J.C. Penney at Kitsap Mall, eventually retiring after 20+ years of employment. During her work at J.C. Penney, Lita made lifelong friendships, like Ched, Hermie, and many others.

At home, Lita was devoted mother and caring friend and neighbor. She enjoyed cooking, chatting with friends and watching her favorite American and Filipino daytime soap operas. She regularly attended Filipino-American Club and Visayan Club balls. She also participated in Filipino Catholic group, "Bukas Loob sa Diyos" and attended both "Marriage Encounter" and "Family Encounter" seminars.

Lita is survived by son's Jerome and Joseph and daughter Cindy, and grandchildren Mariella, Jadon and Marcelene. She is also survived by sisters Josephine and Mercedes, brother Renato, and numerous niece and nephew.

A private Catholic funeral service is planned in late June 2025. Prayers are requested for Carmelita's spirit passing to our Lord's Kingdom in heaven.