Mary Katherine "Kay" Ungvichian

She was born in 1956 in Manila, Philippines to Oscar Rosales Sarmiento and Teresita Sevilla Sarmiento, the eldest of seven and only daughter. Kay excelled in her studies and was the Valedictorian of her nursing class at Cebu Doctor University, the inaugural class. She passed the Philippine Nursing Board and earned her Master's Degree from Cebu Velez College. In 1979, Kay moved to the United States to pursue a career in nursing at Holy Cross Hospital. In her nursing career, she came across lifelong friends, many of whom she remained close with over the years.

While in Florida, she met the love of her life, Vichate Ungvichian, a rising Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Florida Atlantic University, while at a party with mutual friends. Despite giving him the wrong number, they began dating and eventually married in 1985, and had two children, Vanessa and Jason. Kay was an amazing artist and baker, and she skillfully crafted a magical childhood for her kids. She designed their unique costumes from scratch, helped with school projects, and baked the perfect banana muffins and brownies for their teachers, classmates, and friends. It was, in part, through her nuturing and support that led to having a lawyer (Vanessa) and accountant (Jason) in the family.

Kay was a devout Catholic, giving of her time, talent, and treasure to those less fortunate. She volunteered her time to local rosary rallies and other community events. Kay remained a constant parishioner of St. Joan of Arc for over 40 years, where her mass will be held. Kay met with her prayer group nightly, which comprised of attendees across the world.

Kay enjoyed traveling the world and gardening, especially ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and tending to her beautiful orchids, her favorite flower. She treasured the time with her beloved granddaughter, Violet, whose arrival gave her new nickname, Ama.

Kay was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024, and she bravely fought, seeking treatment from the best hospitals across the United States.

Though her time with us was cut short, Kay will forever be in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her father, Lolo Oscar Sarmiento, and will reunite with him in Heaven. Kay is survived by her mother (Teresita), husband (Vichate), daughter (Vanessa), son (Jason), and granddaughter (Violet).

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on February 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

A Prayer Service will take place on the same day, February 16, 2026, from 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm, also at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home and Crematory.

The Funeral Mass is scheduled for February 17, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, located at 370 SW 3rd St, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

In lieu of flowers, Kay and the family request for any donations to be made to World Central Kitchen (https://wck.org) in her name.