Jovina Cadiz Canilao, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, in Delano, California, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 63 years old.
Born on January 11, 1962, in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, to Bernabe and Jovita Cadiz—both of whom preceded her in death—Jovina immigrated to the United States and made Delano her home for 47 years. On April 24, 2019, she married the love of her life, Joel Santos Canilao, with whom she shared years of devoted companionship.
Jovina pursued a career in healthcare, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. She served faithfully at Delano Regional Medical Center – Adventist Health Delano from 1988 until 2025, advancing from CNA to Activities Director. Her compassion, professionalism, and dedication left a lasting impact on patients, colleagues, and the community.
She is survived by her spouse, Joel Santos Canilao, and her children: Jennifer Serrano (Nelson Serrano), Ronnie James Gallegos (Koral Gallegos), Janice Gallegos (Anthony Martinez), and Jennie Sanchez (Edwin Sanchez). She also leaves behind her siblings: Teresita Cajimat (Valeriano Cajimat), Elizabeth Ganzon (Severo Ganzon), Jucy Herminia Untalan (Edgardo Untalan), Silverio Cadiz (Linda Cadiz), and Berwyn Cadiz (Gloria Cadiz). Jovina's father, Bernabe Cadiz, mother, Joivita Baysa, and brother, Virgilio Cadiz (Emy Cadiz), predeceased her.
Jovina is also survived by her grandchildren: Jeneil Alyssa, Jenessa Marley, Jenson O’Neil, Nabhea Jane, Benjamin Anthony, Elijah James, and Christopher Jaeden.
Pallbearers for the services will include Jay Arr Cadiz, Leover C. Ganzon, Karl Rinzo Cajimat, Kenneth Untalan, Justin Ryan Cadiz, John Bryant Cadiz, Jimmy Medina, and Ezer Ganzon.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, located at 707 Browning Rd, Delano, CA 93215-9747, on November 7, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A service will take place at the same location on November 7, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Funeraria Del Angel Delano. The committal service will follow at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin St, Delano, CA 93215, on November 8, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.
Jovina embraced life with joy and generosity. She found happiness in singing, dancing, gardening, spending time at the beach, and sharing meals with loved ones. Her radiant smile and kind spirit brought warmth to everyone she encountered.
Jovina’s legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Delano, a Dignity Memorial provider.
