Juanita Macayan Evangelista, 92, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026 in San Diego. Juanita will be remembered as a beloved presence whose compassion and devotion shaped the lives of those closest to her.
Born February 7, 1934, in Naguilian, Philippines, to Francisco Macayan and Carolina Fontanos, she was the sixth of seven children and was raised with strong family values. She spent her youth at Camp John Hay and helped in her family’s tobacco business. In her younger years, she modeled wedding dresses and later worked in San Fernando, where she met her husband, Crisostomo Evangelista. They married on May 23, 1964, and had one daughter, Eileen Grace.
In 1970, she immigrated to the United States and settled in San Diego. She worked at Diacon, Inc. and Biosite for over 15 years, retiring at 72.
Juanita enjoyed traveling, dancing, bingo, and time with loved ones. She loved cooking, sewing, crocheting, and watching game shows and Korean dramas. A devout Catholic and active member of the Filipino-American Senior Citizens Association, she was known for her calm and gentle spirit and big appetite.
She is survived by her daughter, Eileen Grace; her grandchildren Julia and Rachel; and extended family and friends. Their love and memories stand as a lasting testament to the devoted heart with which she lived and the compassion she so freely gave. She will be tremendously missed.
