Maria Cecilia Litonjua Dayao

Cecil was born in Quezon City, Philippines on June 8, 1960 to Mario V. Litonjua and Lilia Benitez. She attended elementary at St. Theresa’s College and high school at Immaculate Heart of Mary College, before earning her Bachelor’s Degree at University of Santo Tomas. Cecil moved to the United States in 1984 where she became a citizen and later met and married her husband and life long partner, Emmanuel in 1990. Together, they were blessed with two sons, Philip and Michael.

Cecil aspired to live her life in God’s image: with an abundance of charity, generosity, and forgiveness. She took every opportunity to share with others, selflessly offering her time to help those who needed it in any way. As a life-long Catholic, Cecil prayed for guidance. Her trust in the Lord led her to her position at St. John Neumann Parish, where she dedicated over 10 years to the Faith Formation Office. There, she worked closely with the children and families of the Parish community on their journey to join the Church in coordinating their baptism, first holy communion, confirmation, and marriage preparation—a mission she held dear to her heart.

Apart from sharing her love for Christ with others, Cecil spent her time spoiling the family dogs (Angus, Oscar, and Bow); singing karaoke; swing dancing with her husband; and supporting her family’s passions. She especially treasured time with her husband Emmanuel. They always came as a pair and supported each other in everything they did, from the most menial of daily chores to taking fun family vacations or visiting long-distance relatives. Cecil was also an excellent baker and enjoyed making treats to share with her friends and family—a tradition she took great pride in continuing from her mother, Lilia. Cecil cherished her connections to her family members and always found ways to make them feel loved and honored.

Cecil passed suddenly on July 27 as a result of a stroke, shocking her family and friends who feel her loss deeply. Her loved ones find comfort and peace in the knowledge that she is resting within the light and love of God.

Maria Cecilia “Cecil” Dayao is survived by her beloved husband Emmanuel; her sons, Philip (Danielle [f]) and Michael; her siblings Marlyn (Robert [d]) Del Rosario, Naomi (Ramon) Del Rosario, and Evangeline (Emmanuel) Soriano; and her nieces and nephews: Mikel (Christine) and son Joshua, Micah (Ruby), Mark (Kris Ann) and children Madison and Robert, Matthew (Chai), and Martin Del Rosario; and Krista and Richie Soriano.

Maria Cecilia Dayao’s visitation will be held Friday, August 2nd from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at DeVol Funeral Home in Gaithersburg, MD. DeVol Funeral Home is located at 10 East Deer Park Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

Maria Cecilia Dayao’s funeral mass will be held Saturday, August 3rd at 12:00pm at St. John Neumann Parish in Gaithersburg, MD. A visitation period will occur 1 hour prior to the start of mass. St. John Neumann Parish is located at 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20882. A live stream of the funeral mass will be available on St. John Neumann’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SJNGaithersburg

The burial service for Maria Cecilia Dayao’s ashes will be held Friday, August 23rd at 11:00am at All Souls Cemetary in Germantown, MD. All Souls Cemetary is located at 11401 Brink Road Germantown, MD 20876.