Ella Bacolod de Guzman

Ella "Dayco" Bacolod de GUZMAN Ella 'Dayco' Bacolod de Guzman, age 75, passed away May 17, 2010 after a nearly two year battle with cancer (sarcoma). She was surrounded by her loving family. Ella was born October 7, 1934 on Jintotolo Island, Balud, Masbate, Philippines, to Pablo and Macaria Bacolod. She was the fifth of eight children. She attended Central Philippines University in Iloilo with an athletic scholarship and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Physical Education. She went on to teach at Masbate National Agricultural School where she met the love of her life, Camilo Oloresisimo de Guzman, who was the school veterinarian and who also was teaching Science. They married May 19, 1961 and moved to Camilo's home town, Paringao, Bauang, La Union where they had six children. The family immigrated to Vashon Island, Washington in August 1972 to join Camilo, who had moved to the U.S. in 1969. They then moved to West Seattle (Admiral District) in 1976. She was very active in the Filipino Community of Seattle where she served as Vice President, council member, and volunteer. Ella lived in her garden, and she would spend entire days outside, despite her aches and pains. Spring and summer blooms were always abundant in her yard. Christmas was also a time she looked forward to, as it was a time she would cover her entire yard and house (inside and out) with lights. She loved going to the beach, being by the water made her so happy. When her health no longer permitted her to walk on the beach, breathing the air was enough, so many mornings Camilo would drive Ella down to Alki, and afterwards share a seafood omelet at Charlestown Café for breakfast. Ella was also a staple at Muckleshoot bingo, generously sharing any winnings she might chance upon. Ella loved Jintotolo, her beloved island, and her final wish was to go back 'home'. Flying to Manila April 24, 2010 took a toll on her body and she could not continue to Jintotolo, so her siblings, along with many nieces, nephews and grandchildren, came to Manila to visit her. Seeing all the loving faces provided her such joy and she was able to fly back to Seattle May 10 content, her first and only wish fulfilled. Ella is survived by her husband of 49 years, Camilo, her six children: Crisanto (Eileen), Camilo, Jr. (Mary Ann), Evalyn Rose, Carlo (Kristine), Conrad and Eileen and her six grandchildren (whom she adored): Muk, Lena, Camille, Ana, Dos and Ainsley. She also leaves behind four siblings in the Philippines: Tina, Suzima, Honorio and Edna and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Viewing will be Friday, May 21, 2010, 4:00-8:00 p.m. and A Celebration of Ella's life and funeral service will be Saturday, May 22, 2010, beginning at 10:00a.m. and both shall be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 6701 30th Avenue Southwest, Seattle 98126. Reception to follow at the Filipino Community Center of Seattle, 5740 Martin Luther King Junior Way South, Seattle 98118. Donations can be made in honor of Ella B. de Guzman to Northwest Sarcoma Foundation,