Segundina Lorena (Alemania) Ricario

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Segundina Lorena (Alemania) Ricario, at the age of 93. She departed this world peacefully on Monday, April 1, 2024 - at home, where she chose to be, warmly surrounded by her loving family and lifelong friends in her final days. Gudy, as she was affectionately known, owned a smile that could brighten any room. Ever the eternal optimist, she effortlessly filled everyone’s cup, when it was needed most, from her bottomless well of kindness, love, encouragement and inspiration.

She now reunites with her husband of 61 years, Josue, who passed before her in 2021.

She was born in the Philippines in 1931, the second daughter in a family of eight siblings. As a child growing up in the small provincial town of Daraga, Albay, Gudy dreamed of life in a modern and vibrant world that was full of possibilities and opportunity. With a big dream in her pocket and an ounce of courage to spare, she embarked on a journey that would forever change the fate and fortune of her family.

In 1956, Gudy earned her degree in Education from Albay Normal School and embarked on a short but accomplished career as an elementary school teacher. While teaching in remote towns that were far away from home, Gudy found purpose, joy and camaraderie in sports and civics. When not coaching her softball teams to championships she would be organizing and mentoring youth at local, regional and national 4H Club chapters - earning numerous titles, awards and recognition along the way.

In 1961, she married the love of her life, the happy-go-lucky Josue Ricario. They met seven years earlier, at a dance, under less than ideal circumstances. He asked her for a dance on a bet from friends for a pack of cigarettes. He lost that bet, but he went on to win the prize. In a marvelous twist of fate, Josue was surprisingly accepted into the US Navy and their journey as a new couple would finally take Gudy to the modern and vibrant that she always dreamed of.

In 1963, Josue and Gudy were assigned to the US Naval Base at Bremerton, Washington. Adjusting to life in America was difficult and hard at times for Gudy but she persevered. Not long after arriving in her new country, she proudly gave birth to her first son, Ray. In 1966, Josue was transferred to Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where Gudy would give birth to their sons, Jerry and Dean.

For 20 years Gudy was the dutiful and proud wife of a US Navy man. While moving from port to port, supporting his career advances and raising a young family, she involved herself deeply in the naval communities they lived in by working and volunteering her time to organize, aid, assist and welcome everyone new to the community.

Semi-retirement in the Philippines in 1977 was followed by a permanent move to San Diego, CA in 1982. Starting a new life from scratch was not easy for Gudy, but she was determined to have her children complete their education in the US. It was a fateful decision that would change her family’s course and henceforth establish the paths her children would follow in life.

Gudy was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, a doting grandmother, a cheerful aunt, and a loving and dependable friend to so many. She was known her love for the Padres, her passion for mahjong, and her excitement in going to Sycuan, but she will always be remembered for her bright smile, eternal optimism, kindness, compassion and inspiration

She is survived by her eldest son Ray, his wife Lorie, their sons Matthew and Christopher, and daughter Mia; her second son Jerry and his wife Demi; and, her third son Dean, his wife Gayle, and their son Nicholas and daughter Sydney.

May you rest in eternal peace - We love you!