Blanca Mendoza Sangalang Discar

Obituary

Blanca Mendoza Sangalang Discar, lovingly known as “Lola,” passed away on April 2, 2026. She was born on September 10, 1934, in Lucena, Philippines, though her official U.S. records reflect November 27, 1934.
Encouraged by her Auntie Tilde, whom she considered a second mother, Blanca pursued higher education at the University of the Philippines. With her aunt’s support, she made the courageous decision to pursue nursing and immigrate to the United States. This path would define the course of her life and the lives of generations to follow.
In 1959, Blanca arrived in Galveston, Texas and she immediately met Santos “Sanny” Discar. They quickly became engaged and married, beginning a partnership that would span 47 years. As a military wife, Blanca built a life for her family across many places, including Texas, Japan, Long Beach, and ultimately San Diego, where she settled permanently in 1971 and later made her home in Bonita.
Blanca carried her calling as a nurse with her for more than 40 years. She served as a charge nurse and oversaw entire hospital floors with confidence and precision. In an era before modern technology, she calculated medication dosages in her head with ease for a dozen patients at a time. This was one of the early ways her children came to realize just how brilliant she was.
Blanca was deeply committed to her family’s future. With quiet determination and independence, she made a series of real estate investments that would later help fund her children’s education. Through her foresight and sacrifice, she ensured opportunities for the next generation, helping send her children to college and laying a foundation for their success.
She was also a pillar for her extended family. Blanca helped sponsor several of her siblings to come to the United States, opening doors and creating opportunities that shaped the trajectory of her family. Her decision to immigrate, and her commitment to bringing others with her, created a legacy that continues to ripple across generations.
Family was at the center of Blanca’s life, and she showed her love in ways that were honest and memorable. As a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she made each person feel uniquely loved. Despite having many children and grandchildren, she had a remarkable way of making each one feel like her favorite. She regularly took her grandchildren on special dates, hosted them for sleepovers, and hand fed them spoonful by spoonful as they gleefully ran around her house in between swimming in her pool. Her affection was often expressed through her signature “sniff kisses,” and her care for others was steady and wholehearted. She offered guidance when it was needed, often through vivid cautionary stories from her years as a nurse that her grandchildren now remember with both laughter and affection. She maintained close connection through frequent, short, heartfelt phone calls. In later years, she revealed a playful and silly side with her great grandchildren and delighted in making them laugh.
Blanca was also a woman of strength and conviction. She taught her family to see themselves as resilient and capable, and reminded them that they are strong enough to overcome anything. She modeled that strength in her own life, whether navigating challenges, standing her ground, or building a future from scratch.
Blanca lived a life defined by courage, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. She built a life across continents, created opportunities for those around her, and left behind a legacy not only in what she accomplished, but in how she made people feel: seen, supported, and deeply loved.
Blanca is survived by 3 of her 4 children, 14 grandchildren, and 11 of her 13 great grandchildren: Sonny [wife Melinda and children Justin (wife Bree and daughter Hannah), Daniel (wife Elise), Josiah (wife Gabby), Isabella, and Caleb]]; Debbie [husband Burt and children Breanna (husband Sebastiano) and David (wife Bree)], and Didi [husband Paul and daughter Mika (husband Ryan)]. She is also survived by her siblings Carlito, Cleofe, and Meynardo.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Sanny Discar; her son, Santos “Joe” Discar [survived by his wife Lisa and and children Jonathan (wife Carrie and sons Daren and Ethan), Joanna (husband Andy and children Andrew and Kinsley), Jenevieve (husband Ben), Jennifer (husband Ben and daughters Hudson and Cleo), and Joshua]; her parents, Consorcia Mendoza Sangalang and Marciano Montenegro Sangalang; and her siblings Caridad, Manuel (“Manny”), and Teodoro (“Teddy”). She was also preceded in death by two beloved great-grandchildren, Manna Discar and Bennett Rupp.

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Memory wall

April 13, 2026

I was lucky to know and love Lola Blanca since I became best friends with Debbie in junior high and high school. Lola and Lolo Honey welcomed everyone into their home. Jose and I were so inspired that we asked them to be ninong and ninang for our wedding. She welcomed our daughter as if she were her one of her grandchildren. She arrived at the hospital with Debbie in the wee morning hours to be there for us when we had our micro-preemie son (who was initially given little to no chance to live).

We have witnessed Lola persevere through times of loss, health struggles, and whatever life threw at her. We continue to be inspired and honored to have had her in our lives. We share the void with her loss but continue to live life to the fullest and in the happiest way possible because that is what she wished for all of us.

Donna Martin-Lim

April 9, 2026

Blanca was always so kind and sweet to me. I will miss her.

Joci Moon

April 8, 2026

Love you so much Tita Blanca. You will be so very missed.

Christian Discar

April 5, 2026

May aunty Blanca rest in eternal peace and her memory live on in all who loved her. Sending love and strength to the Discar family during this difficult time🤍

Kim Discar

April 3, 2026

Such love and understanding, she will be missed by everyone.

Hilary Backman

April 2, 2026

I love you lola

Caleb Discar

Service