Lucile Hyatt Madruga

F. Lucile Madruga, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully at her home on November 9, 2016. She was introduced to this world on February 25, 1917 to Daniel and Mable Hyatt in Everson, Washington. She, along with her parents, younger brother Arthur and sister Bonita, made their way to Ocean Beach, California where she attended Ocean Beach Elementary and Point Loma High School, graduating in 1936. It was during a football game in her senior year at PLHS that she met her future husband, Edward X. Madruga, the son of a large, Portuguese family. They married in 1938 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Point Loma. In 1939, they welcomed their first son, Robert, and in 1942, their second son, Donald. Lucile quickly adapted to married life, first as a tuna fisherman’s wife then as a “war widow” while Edward was at sea. During those early years, Lucile formed a Sewing Club with the other sailors’ wives; she volunteered for the Red Cross, won several trophies as a team bowler and played a mean hand of Bridge. Lucile and Ed also had a lifelong love of thoroughbred horse racing as both fans and owners, rarely missing a race day at Del Mar; and, on occasion, celebrating in the Winners’ Circle with one of their thoroughbreds. Alongside her husband, Lucile was also an avid fly fisher-woman (although she was known to bait her hook with worms) and hunter. A lively member of the Point Loma Portuguese community, “Lu” was active in the Cabrillo Civic Club #16 and the annual San Diego Portuguese Festa. She has also been a vigorous supporter of St. Agnes Parish, the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Hospital and St. Augustine High School.

Lucile was predeceased by her son Donald, and husband Edward. She is survived by: her sister Bonnie; her son Robert and his wife Rose; her grandchildren: Denise and her husband Michael, Stephen and his wife Shelly, John and his wife Susan, and Richard and his wife Sarah. Great ‘Cile as she became known, was proudest of her eight great-grandchildren: Blake, Benjamin, Charles, Madeline, Edward, Anna, Juliet and Olivia. She is also survived by her very dear caretaker and companion of 32 years, Maria Cetina. In addition, the family is grateful for the gentle and compassionate care Lucile received from Home Care Assistance, especially Fiyore Gebreyesus and Blessing Quenwon, and all the staff from Vitas Hospice care.

Viewing to be held on November 21, 2016, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home, 1818 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. San Diego 92107. Memorial Mass will be held on November 22, 2016, at 10:00am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1140 Evergreen St. San Diego, 92106, followed by a gathering at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse Restaurant. Donations in the name of Lucile & Edward Madruga may be made to St. Augustine High School, 3266 Nutmeg St., San Diego, CA 92104.