Paulina Domingo Maliwat

Visitation and Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st at St. Mark Catholic Church, 3736 S Lees Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2nd, also at St. Mark Catholic Church (Online Streaming). Interment will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marian Hope, 14820 E 42nd Street S, Independence, MO 64055.

Born on June 7, 1939, in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Paulina was one of nine siblings. From an early age, she radiated courage and purpose, qualities that would define her life. Educated as a nurse in the Philippines, she immigrated to the United States in 1961 to join Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

It was in Kansas City that she met the love of her life, Gil Maliwat, whom she married in 1963. Together they raised two children in Buckner, Missouri, and built a life rooted in faith, service, and joy. Paulina’s nursing career flourished at the Medical Center of Independence. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of St. Francis and became a nurse manager, retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated service. Though retired, she often said, "Once a nurse, always a nurse," a testament to her lifelong calling to care for others.

Paulina enjoyed a rich life outside of work. She was an avid bowler, gardener, and crafter, known especially for her flower arranging and scrapbooking. Her greatest joy came in becoming a grandmother — hosting sleepovers, treating her grandchildren to McDonald’s, and creating treasured memories at parks and family gatherings.

After Gil’s passing, Paulina remained active in her community, volunteering at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, the Palmer Center, and the Marian Hope Center for Children’s Therapy. She traveled the world with family and friends, journeying through Europe, cruising the Caribbean and Latin America, and exploring the U.S. by motorcoach. A proud member of the Saucy Red Hats and the Fairmount Dancing Queens, bringing light and laughter wherever she went.

Paulina’s love languages were acts of service and gift giving. Whether helping someone in need or surprising family and friends with thoughtful gestures, she gave with her whole heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Maximinana Domingo; her siblings, Antonio, Generosa, and Francisco Jr. Domingo; and her beloved husband, Gil.

She is survived by her daughter, Emma Tosatto (Gene); her son, Roland Maliwat (Jeanne); and her grandchildren, Dominick Tosatto (Deidra), Vincent Tosatto (Olivia), Alex Maliwat, and Anika Maliwat. She also leaves behind her cherished grandpets, Kenzi, Snickers, Twix, and Ubebe, and great-grandcats, Chihiro, Gohan, Killua, Shoyu, and Tamale.

Paulina leaves a legacy of kindness, faith, and strength. She will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

“Her hands may have been small, but they were strong enough to hold a family together.”