Lourdes Manuela Cataquiz

October 27, 1983 - July 24, 2026

On Friday, July 24, 2026, Lourdes Manuela Balingit Cataquiz, passed away peacefully albeit all too soon in Fairfax, VA at the age of 42. Beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend, her life is celebrated for her resilience, thoughtful care & generosity.

Lourdes, nicknamed “Lulu” by her family and friends, was born October 27, 1983 in Washington, DC. She grew up surrounded by loving parents, an older sister, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close family and friends. A childhood cancer survivor, she had been in remission since the age of 6 and led a plentiful life, never allowing her circumstances to limit her.

She was an active martial artist in Northern Virginia, as had been her passion since age 7. In true dedication to her craft and community, she earned the rank of 3rd-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, a Double Brown Stripe Black Belt in CMAA Blended Arts, and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In her final days, she was bestowed the 4th-degree Black Belt, marking her Master Lulu - granted to her by her lifelong teacher Raymond Estrada.

In 2019, she graduated from Liberty University with a Master’s in Visual Communication & Design. She used her skills as a graphic designer to establish her own small business, “Miracle Turtle Arts”, to share her love of art with the world.

Lulu joins her mother, Alicia E. Balingit Cataquiz in heaven. She is survived by her father, Lucito B. Cataquiz; her sister, Alicia Lorenza “Lori” Cataquiz and her brother-in-law Mathieu Doyon; her nieces and nephew Jade, Jasmine, Mia and Samuel Cataquiz; her Godmother Juvy McCarthy (husband Kevin McCarthy, daughter Kaycie McCarthy); her nanny Nita Singson; and a myriad of extended family members, friends, and karateka colleagues and pupils.

Funeral mass will be Friday, July 31, at 1 PM, at St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church in McLean VA.

Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. She is forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending donations to the St. John the Beloved Roman Catholic Church in McLean VA, or the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America in her memory.