Milagros Baquiran Atienza

Mila was born to Maximo Sebastian Baquiran and Eulalia Mendoza Baquiran on December 9, 1942 in Laoag City, Philippines. She attended the University of Santo Tomas at the early age of 16 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. At the age of 20, Mila was the first of her family to immigrate to the United States. She worked as a nurse in Saginaw, Michigan and then in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her husband, Eduardo C. Atienza. They were married in 1966 and traveled the world with the U.S. Navy. Mila spent most of her career working for the U.S. Navy as a nurse and retired after 39 years of service in 2016.

Mila is survived by her son, Anthony A. Atienza (and his wife Heidi) of San Diego, California; son, Audie A. Atienza of Derwood, Maryland; 5 grandchildren: Edward, David, Xochitl, Scotty, and Joseph-Jean; and brothers and sisters: Angelita Velasco (née Baquiran), Melvin Baquiran, Dick Baquiran, Broderick Baquiran, Henry Baquiran, Joseph Baquiran, and Elizabeth Desiree Stein (née Baquiran). Mila was preceded in death by her husband, Eduardo Atienza; grandson, Xavier Atienza; and brothers and sisters: Benito Baquiran, James Baquiran, Carmencita Pineda (née Baquiran), and George Baquiran.

Mila loved her family fiercely, especially her grandchildren whom she greatly cherished. She devotedly and steadfastly practiced her religious faith. She took joy in traveling the world, adored the arts, and loved cooking for family and friends (her lumpia was legendary!). Mila displayed unwavering courage, strength, resilience, and fidelity throughout her life.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Mila’s memory be sent to the Xavier Alexander Atienza Project (The XA Project, EIN: 47-1512009, https://www.thexaproject.org, PO Box 4089, Rockville, MD 20849), or Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (EIN: 23-7334012: https://ccdsd.org). We will miss Mila’s beautiful smile and endearing laugh very much.