Lucia V. Marasigan

December 13, 1941 – December 23, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Lucia “Lucy” V. Marasigan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Born on December 13, 1941, in Tuguegarao, Philippines, to Gertrude Babaran Valdepeñas and Vicente Valdepeñas, Lucy was the seventh of ten children. Her early years were filled with love, faith, and fond memories of playing with her neighbors.

A brilliant student, Lucy earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Santo Tomas. Her exceptional performance at UST Hospital led her superior to highly recommend her for the foreign exchange student program. In 1962, Lucy arrived in Chicago, Illinois, to work at Cook County Hospital in the Labor and Delivery Department.

In the same year, Lucy met Joe at the wedding of their mutual friends, Lily and Orlie Cabading, at the submarine chapel in Groton, Connecticut. They began exchanging letters, but Lucy initially didn’t take Joe seriously. After completing her exchange program in 1964, Lucy returned to Manila, where she resumed her nursing career. From January 1965 to November 1966, she worked at Manila Doctors Hospital in the OB-GYN Department and as a private nurse for Dr. Manager at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Despite the distance, Joe persistently wrote to Lucy, winning her heart with his unwavering dedication. On September 16, 1966, Lucy and Joe married, beginning their lifelong partnership. Lucy followed Joe to the United States in December 1966, briefly working in Philadelphia before Joe was stationed to Pascagoula, Mississippi, in March 1967. There, she worked at Singing River Hospital as an OB-GYN nurse and gave birth to their first son, Vince, on December 2, 1967.

Three weeks later, the family relocated to San Diego, California, settling in Cabrillo Heights Navy Housing. With Joe sent off to training right away, Lucy managed to secure childcare for Vince and found a job at Paradise Valley Hospital, where she would dedicate the majority of her nursing career. In 1970, Lucy gave birth to their second son, Ron. Recognizing the challenges of balancing motherhood and her nursing career, Lucy decided they needed to petition Joe’s mother to help care for the boys, enabling her to continue her work.

Lucy excelled at Paradise Valley Hospital, often stepping in during emergencies when doctors didn’t arrive on time to deliver babies. She became a trusted proctor and mentor, earning the respect of her colleagues.

While raising her family and managing her demanding career, Lucy also discovered a talent for investing. Her foresight and business acumen laid the foundation for Joe and Lucy’s success in property acquisition and ventures such as Valmar Graphics. These investments secured a bright future for their family.

In 1995, Lucy was involved in a serious car accident, prompting her early retirement. She then devoted herself to the family business and, more importantly, to her family. When her prayer for a granddaughter was answered with the birth of Angeli, Lucy embraced her role with boundless love and dedication. She took on every motherly responsibility for Angeli, from babysitting to school drop-offs and extracurricular activities.

Lucy’s unwavering Catholic faith, love for gardening, and devotion to her family remained constant throughout her life. She cherished watching her favorite basketball team, the Lakers, and celebrating milestones with her loved ones. She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: DJ, Lulu (named in her honor), and KC, who brought her immense joy.

Lucy will be remembered as a kind, generous, and selfless soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. Her strength, determination, and love will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Joe; her son, Joseph “Vince,” his wife Barbara; her granddaughter, Angeli, her husband Anthony; her great-grandchildren, DJ, Lulu, and KC; and her extended family and friends. She is reunited in heaven with her son Ron and other cherished loved ones.