Elena Pasino Dunton

Elena Pasino Dunton (née Lamojer), 74, of Prunedale, California, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Elena was born on May 28, 1952, in Iloilo, Philippines, to Presentacion Pasino and Dominador Lamojer. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and dedicated 35 years of her life to caring for others. She served as a Director of Nursing at multiple convalescent hospitals, where her strength, compassion, and dedication touched the lives of countless patients, families, and colleagues. Caring for others was not simply her profession; it was a part of who she was.

Elena married the love of her life, William Dunton, on May 30, 1982. Their daughter, Denise, was born the following year, on May 29, 1983. Elena and William shared a deep and enduring love and did nearly everything together. They were inseparable and filled their years together with adventures and wonderful memories. They zip-lined through the rainforest in Costa Rica, climbed Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, went snowmobiling in Lake Tahoe, and rang in the New Year surrounded by friends on Lake Mead. Whether traveling somewhere new or simply enjoying time together, they were happiest side by side.

Elena was a devoted mother and grandmother. Even after Denise left for college, Elena found ways to remind her daughter that she was always in her thoughts. She would write letters to Denise and often include a Bible verse that spoke to whatever Denise was experiencing at the time. Her words were a quiet but constant reminder that no matter how far apart they were, her mother was there.

She adored her granddaughter, Brooke, and took great joy in caring for her. Some of Brooke's favorite memories are centered around her grandmother's cooking, and Elena loved nothing more than making Brooke's favorite meals for her. Feeding the people she loved was one of the many ways Elena showed her love.

Elena found great joy in the simple pleasures of everyday life. She could happily spend time working through her daily word searches, tending to her garden, or enjoying a perfectly ripe, juicy mango. She loved traveling to the Caribbean, boating at Clear Lake, and spending time at casinos trying her luck at the slots, especially when a buffet was part of the outing. She enjoyed watching the daytime Judge shows and had a particular fondness for teriyaki chicken wings. She also had a wonderful knack for collecting little treasures. Her stash of things she had saved, gathered, or simply couldn't bear to part with became one of the many endearing quirks her family will remember with a smile.

Although Elena built a beautiful life in Monterey County, she never forgot her family and friends in the Philippines. She deeply missed them, and one of her fondest memories was her last visit to the Philippines, where she was able to spend precious time with family and friends and enjoy Boracay together. Being surrounded by the people she loved and returning to a place so connected to her roots was a special gift.

Throughout her life, Elena was selfless, strong, hardworking, and kind. She dedicated herself to caring for others, both through her work and in her everyday life. She supported organizations including Boys Town and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, causes that reflected her concern for others and her generous spirit. She gave of herself freely and often quietly, never looking for recognition.

Elena is survived by her beloved husband, William Dunton; her daughter, Denise Dunton; her cherished granddaughter, Brooke Kalva; her son-in-law, Bret Kalva; her brother, Rolino P. Lamojer; and her sister, Nelida L. Lamera. She was preceded in death by her mother, Presentacion Pasino; her father, Dominador Lamojer; and her brothers, Bienvenido P. Lamojer and Modesto P. Lamojer.

Elena's family will gather privately to honor her life and memory.

Elena leaves behind a lifetime of love, devotion, hard work, and countless acts of kindness. She will be remembered for the way she cared for the people around her and for the many small joys that made her uniquely Elena. Her family and all who knew her will miss her deeply and carry her memory with them always.