Fidela "Dely" Aguilar Aguilar

After 89 blessed years, Fidela (Dely) Aguilar Aguilar passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She was known for being a prayer warrior with a huge heart for service towards others.

Dely was born in Pasay City, Philippines, on October 28, 1936, the youngest of three children of Candido and Lucia Aguilar. Along with older sister, Felicidad, and older brother, Carlos, she grew up during the turbulent times of World War 2 — as a young girl, she remembered barely escaping their home in the middle of the night, hiding in a trench from the enemies, and returning to a house burned into ashes.

Raised by a single mother, as a posthumous child, Dely learned early on to fend for herself. Times were very difficult, but her mother was an example for her of steadfast trust in God and fortitude. After high school, Dely was only able to attend some community college; due to her family’s financial situation, she often worked two jobs to help support the family.

In her late 30s, she married Anastacio (Taz) Aguilar (no relation) on December 18, 1971, and they had two children, Ermina and Edwin. The family migrated to the United States in 1986 - arrived in Anchorage, moved to Sacramento, and finally settled in Moloka’i, Hawaii, where she worked various jobs: in a plumeria (flower) farm, as a bank teller, and finally as a bookkeeper at Friendly Market Center for almost 15 years.

After Taz died from cancer in 1999 and in her mid-60s, Dely moved in 2002 with Ermina and her husband, Jason Swager. She became a full-time Lola (“grandma” in Tagalog) to her four grandchildren: Malia, Kai, Leilani, and Anela. As a retiree, Dely volunteered for over 20 years cooking for St. Brendan’s Serving Our Savior (SOS) Ministry, funeral ministry, and Lenten soup suppers. In her spare time, she made ribbon leis and had gifted over a hundred for birthdays, graduations, Confirmations, and weddings. At home, her grandchildren would often find her nodding off as she tries to finish her afternoon rosary offered on behalf of family/friends who needed the extra prayers. Dely became a Lola to many, including her grandchildren’s classmates, parishioners, and neighbors.

Through many trials and tribulations, her unwavering faith in God’s Grace gave her tremendous solace and strength. She had a good and peaceful death, with prompting from family to run towards her Heavenly Father.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Brendan’s SOS Ministry and Shoulder to Shoulder Ministry in support of their ongoing efforts to help those in need.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.” - Matthew 21:25