Vita Andaya Cortez, formerly Vita Lamadrid Andaya, age 81, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, she will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Vita was born in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. She was the eldest of 8 siblings. She went to college in Manila and later moved to Chicago in 1969 as an Exchange Student, where she pursued her career in Nursing. In 1970, she met her husband, Albino Cortez, aka Uncle Elvis, in San Francisco, CA. They got married on Sept 1970 and had their first son, Frederick (Fred), exactly 1 year later on their 1st Wedding Anniversary. They later welcomed their daughter Analisa (Lisa), during Christmas 1975 and now have 4 handsome grandsons - Javani, Keith, Julius, and Marcus.
Vita enjoyed the finer things in life. She loved to travel, go shopping, play at the Casinos, and go to the local Bingo halls. She traveled the world...Germany, China, Alaska, Mexico, and Europe, to name a few. It wasn't always fancy hotels; she also enjoyed Cruise Trips, cross-country road trips, and camping adventures. She often took her family with her. Her motto - Stick with me, and I'll show you the world!
Vita was a very Strong, Beautiful, and Independent woman. She worked very hard as a Registered Nurse for Kaiser for over 30 years and was able to bring the rest of her family to California. She loved spending time with family and friends, attending many gatherings with the Barkada & the Tagudinians of Northern CA. Her home was usually where all the family gatherings took place for the Holidays. Her home was open to all. She celebrated everything. She elebrated life!
