Virginia Nacional Gatan

Virgie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted follower of Christ. She was the eldest child of the late Juan D. Nacional and Leonor G. Vinoya, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Virgilio Nacional and Veranio Nacional.

Virgie shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Benito "Ben" Gatan. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ben; her children, Loren (Rommel) Gandeza, Karen (Chad) Trueman, and Benilen (Sami) Mondo; and her cherished grandchildren, Michael Trueman (22), Anthony Trueman (20), Jack Trueman (15), Aiden Mondo (9), and Malia Mondo (6). She also leaves behind her sisters, Yolanda Galan, Filipina Marquez, Liberty Valladolid, and Consolacion Querido.

Virgie graduated from Riverview High School in Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in English from the University of Manila. She began her career teaching high school English in the Philippines before relocating to Switzerland, where she served as a secretary at the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva, working alongside her brother-in-law, Ambassador Leslie Gatan. After moving to the United States, Virgie worked as a restorative care specialist at skilled nursing facilities, where she brought healing, comfort, and joy to both patients and colleagues alike.

After retiring, Virgie spent over 11 fulfilling years in Texas. She delighted in watching golf and tennis alongside her husband, taking walks with friends, and participating in fellowship with her church community at Christ the Good Shepherd. Virgie had a passion for tending to her fruit and vegetable garden, but her greatest joy was doting on her grandchildren. Whether she was faithfully driving her local grandsons to practices and cheering them on at their games, sending thoughtful birthday and holiday cards to her grandchildren in Chicago, or visiting them to enjoy the crisp autumn season together, her family was always at the heart of everything she did.

Above all, Virgie loved her Lord Jesus Christ, having accepted Him as her Savior. She lived her life with unwavering faith, walking in confidence, peace, and truth as she embraced the person God created her to be, always looking forward to the gift of eternal life. She will be remembered as loving, generous, tough-minded, hard-working, and gentle, with a rare gift for finding beauty and humor in everyday life.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital for their compassionate care during Virgie's final earthly days, to the Carag daughters and Leo Galan for their steadfast love and support, and to all of the family and friends who provided comfort and prayers during this time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on September 19, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Reception will follow at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on September 19, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.