Essa Emmanuelle Sugatan

November 9, 1995 – July 2, 2026

It is with profound sadness and endless love that we remember Essa Sugatan, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Essa was a bright, loving, and adventurous soul whose laughter, kindness, and caring heart left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Fun, outgoing, thoughtful, and full of life, Essa had a way of bringing happiness wherever she went and making the people around her feel truly special.

Born and raised in New York, Essa was the youngest of five siblings — the baby of the family — a title she carried with her playful personality, cute sense of humor, and unforgettable spirit. Growing up surrounded by a close family, she created countless memories through camping trips, hikes, road trips, cruises, and holiday gatherings. Whether it was exploring somewhere new, sharing a meal, or simply being together, Essa treasured those moments most. To Essa, family was everything.

Her adventurous spirit led her to attend the University at Albany, and after graduating, she took a leap many only dream about — moving across the ocean to Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. There, she embraced a new chapter, creating a life filled with adventure, friendships, and experiences while always keeping her New York family close to her heart.

Her love for Disney reflected so much of who she was. After working at Disneyland, she carried that magic and joy with her throughout her life, including through her Disney-inspired tattoos of Stitch and the word “ʻOhana.” For Essa, ʻohana was not just something she loved — it was something she lived. Family meant showing up, loving deeply, and making sure the people she cared about always felt remembered.

In Hawaiʻi, Essa began the most meaningful chapter of her life when she became a mother to her daughter, Madeline “Maddie”. Motherhood was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She poured her heart into raising Maddie with endless love, care, and encouragement.

No matter where life took her — from Hawaiʻi, to Texas, and eventually back home to New York — Maddie was always by her side. Everyone knew Maddie because Essa brought her everywhere: visiting family, seeing friends, going on outings, and sharing in everyday adventures. They were inseparable, and anyone who knew them could see that Maddie was truly her mini version — carrying Essa’s same spark, sweetness, and joy.

Essa had a heart that naturally cared for others. She was the sister, aunt, and friend who showed up. She checked in just because. She noticed when someone needed support. She would offer to watch her nieces and nephews, stop by just to spend time with family, and find thoughtful ways to brighten someone’s day. She went above and beyond to make people feel loved.

Through every chapter of her journey, Essa faced life with courage, independence, and the resourcefulness everyone knew her for. She always found a way forward and worked hard to create a beautiful life for herself and Maddie. Her humor could brighten difficult days, and her smile brought comfort and happiness to the people around her.

Essa is survived by her beloved daughter, Madeline; her loving mother, Precy; her brothers, Philip and EJ; and her sisters, Diana and Christina; along with her nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who loved her deeply.

Though her time with us was far too short, Essa’s legacy of love, kindness, strength, and joy will continue to live on through everyone she touched — and most beautifully through Maddie. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358, US, on July 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and again on July 10, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm.