Gloria Dizon Tayag

It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of our beloved Gloria Dizon Tayag on October 31, 2022, she was 76 years old. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Roberto Tayag; her daughters: Jocelyn (Joy), Grace and Katherine (Kate); her grandchildren: Loralin, Jaechelle, James, Stephen and Reina; her great-grandchild Kaileana (Kai); and her siblings: Alejandro Jr., Hilario, Eduardo, Melita, Merlinda, Melania, Rustico and Marites.

She was born on July 15, 1946 in the province of Floridablanca in her native country Pampanga, Philippines.

Gloria was the eldest daughter of Arceli Santiago Guanzon Dizon (preceded in death) and Alejandro Paguio Dizon (preceded in death). She has reunited with them in heaven along with her brother, Angelito Dizon (preceded in death). She grew up on her father’s rice farm and helped raise her nine younger siblings. Arceli (Inang) taught her how to pray to Jesus and Mama Mary. This instilled a deep love for Jesus and Mama Mary which she fostered throughout her lifetime. Her parents also taught her how to be hardworking, responsible and family-focused.

Ever the beautiful Island girl, she loved her hometown. She appreciated the vibrant community of family and friends, the churches and the rich heritage of culture and food that the Philippine Islands provided. Around 1962 as a young teen, she was crowned Miss Floridablanca. She was often asked to be the beauty queen or muse of her town as well as other barrios. Gloria’s dazzling smile and positive persona won the admiration of her peers. She earned her college degree in Education. Her kind and caring nature made her a natural at teaching. She taught for several years at the local elementary school in Floridablanca.

In 1969, she married her childhood sweetheart, Roberto Tayag, who was a young US Navy man. She continued to live and work in the Philippines while he was deployed to fight in the Vietnam war. In 1973, she bore their first child, Jocelyn at Subic Bay Base Hospital. It wasn’t until 1975, that she began a new adventure in the US. She moved to China Lake, CA where her husband was stationed. She adapted quickly to life on base and experienced her first snow season. Fall of 1976, she welcomed her second daughter, Grace. She had her hands full with two little ones, but soon found that she had to adapt to a new environment as they were relocated to San Diego, CA. In 1979, she welcomed her third daughter, her bunso Katherine who completed her “Three Santa Marias” (Little Marys of her life).

Living in California, her thoughts were never far from her family back in her homeland of the Philippines. Together with her husband Roberto, Gloria helped petition her father-in-law and his siblings to come to the US. Thereafter, she worked diligently to petition her own parents and all of her siblings for US citizenship. She dedicated years of her life making sure her family could all share their lives together once again in San Diego. She fulfilled this dream.

Gloria and Roberto opened their home to their siblings, helping them to establish their lives and their futures in the US. Although it was a crowded home, with some often sleeping on blankets (dase) on the floor, it was a home bursting with love. They supported each other…working, cleaning, cooking, baking and laughing together. Gloria happily sacrificed for the greater good for her family as family was everything to her. She did all of this while raising her three daughters to fit in and absorb “American” culture while still honoring their Filipino heritage.

Gloria was very active in her church community, she joined the Legion of Mary at Good Shepherd Parish. She spent countless hours at meetings, prayers and volunteer services all the while bonding with her brothers and sisters in Christ. She was also an avid traveler of the world with her husband. In 1994, for her 25th wedding anniversary, they traveled to 16 countries in Europe. She visited the south of France to visit the site of Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared. She also traveled on a pilgrimage to the holy land of Israel, Egypt, Bethlehem and other places with other parishioners from Good Shepherd.

The love she held for her homeland of the Philippines never wavered. When her husband retired, Gloria spent the last few decades living both in San Diego and the Philippines. She dreamed of one day owning her own resort which she spent years building with Roberto. In early 2019, she fulfilled this dream as well. Later that year, she celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary at the venue which was an amazing highlight of her life. In March 2020, due to COVID, Gloria & Roberto relocated back to San Diego leaving behind her beloved Philippines but reunited once again with her immediate family. She enjoyed cultivating her garden, going to church, going shopping with her children and grandchildren as well as going to the casino with her husband. Always at the forefront was her wish to just spend time with all her family. That was her greatest happiness, being with those she loved.

Her philanthropic contributions to her churches and communities in the Philippines are noteworthy. Novenas and special masses have been dedicated in her honor since her untimely passing. One of her last generous acts of kindness was gifting six different churches: San Nicolas, San Jose, Consuelo, Sta Monica, Caritas and Calantas Chapel with beautiful candle holders & candles.

Gloria was an exceptional woman to all those that knew her. She loved with her whole heart and cared with every fiber of her being. “Kaluguran dacayu ngan” I love you all…was often a phrase she would say. She was the light of our lives…giving us love, laughter, hope and comfort. Our greatest joy is also our greatest sorrow in losing her. Her inner light which touched so many hearts, will continue to shine from heaven above. We will honor her memory by emulating her light here on earth. We will continue her legacy of love, kindness and her focus on family.

Gloria Dizon Tayag, you are loved and missed beyond measure and we look forward to someday reuniting with you in God’s kingdom. Until we meet again, we are forever yours.

Eternal rest grant unto Gloria O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

A visitation for Gloria will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022 Private Family Viewing: 4:00-5:00 PM; Open Viewing: 5:00 PM at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. A visitation will occur Friday, December 2, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd, 8200 Gold Coast Drive, San Diego, CA 92126. A graveside service will occur Saturday, December 3, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121. Celebration of Life Luncheon: location TBA

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Tayag family.