Anita Lombana

A loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and beloved friend to all who knew her - Anita Lombana of Clifton, NJ, passed away on 9/5/2021, she was 96 years old. The daughter of Daniel Lombana and Filomena Mayorga, Anita Lombana came into this world on 11/4/1924 in Chaguani, Cundimarca, Colombia.

Anita emigrated to the United States in 1962, at the age of 38. Sponsored by Catholic Charities, Anita took up residence in New York City where she raised her sons, learned English, earned her high school GED and became a naturalized citizen in September of 1978.

For many reasons, 1978 was a big year for Anita. It was then she, a single mother and new citizen of the United States of America realized the American Dream. She bought a home in Paterson NJ, moved there with her family, and began working for many years as an assembler for the Oakland, NJ-based medical equipment manufacturing company DataScope. Her main activity during her tenure at DataScope involved assembling heart stent devices.

Anita fiercely devoted her life to prayer, worship, and serving the Catholic Church. She embraced her life in Paterson, and soon after taking up residence there, became an active member of the St. John the Baptist Cathedral parish in Paterson. Anita served the community there as a Eucharistic minister in church and brought communion to the elderly and homebound. For many years, Anita used her bilingual skills to volunteer as a Spanish translator for patients of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson.   

An avid walker, Anita enjoyed taking walks up to Garrett Mountain, or at the Willowbrook Mall as a member of the Mall-Walkers Club, or through her neighborhood. On a family trip to Colombia at the age of 85, she climbed the summit of Piedra del Peñol in the Andes Mountain range. She traveled extensively with various church groups, visiting her native Colombia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Israel, and many other destinations within the United States.

Anita is survived by her three sons, Nelson Trujillo, Herbert Trujillo, and Jorge Gutierrez. The family grew to include 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.           

The family has entrusted Bizub Quinlan Funeral Home with the final arrangements. A viewing and wake service is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, 9-10:45 am, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton NJ. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11:30 am, St. Philip the Apostle Church 797 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to Little Sisters of the Poor www.littlesistersofthepoortotowa.org.

Please Click Here on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am to view the visiting via live stream.

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