Dr. Patrocinia Albania Magat

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman. Dr. Patrocinia Magat touched the lives of many through her dedication to medicine and her unwavering love for her family. Dr. Pat Magat passed away peacefully on July 16, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of strength and generosity, and her beautiful and delicious garden, full of her cherished orchids and fruit trees.

Born in Bulacan, Philippines, to Jose Albania and Pascuala Manahan, Dr. Pat Magat's journey began on November 4, 1942. From an early age, she displayed an innate passion for healing despite her father’s wishes for her to become a business woman, which led her to pursue her dreams in the medical field. Her determination and resilience were evident during her time attending medical school at Far Eastern University (FEU) in Manila, Class of 1968 where she met and married her first husband, Dr. Nicolas Sanez Sr. They welcomed their firstborn, Eric Sanez, while still living in Manila.

The family later embarked on a new chapter, moving to the United States in 1970, where Dr. Pat Sanez-Magat began her career as a doctor in Chicago, IL. It was later that year that she and Nick Sr. were blessed with the arrival of their second son, Nicholas Sanez Jr. She started her surgical residency in Chicago and the two would eventually go their own ways. Dr. Magat was a very industrious woman, often working 2-3 jobs while doing her internship at Edgewater Hospital in Chicago. Eric’s ninang and one of Dr. Magat’s long time friends from FEU, Dr. Noemi Fogata, would help watch Eric and Nick while she worked. Patrocinia became a naturalized citizen July 27th, 1976 and answered her calling to join the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander, in Barstow, CA where she served at the NRMC BR Clinic Marine Corps Logistics Base from 1977 - 1980.

It was during her military service that fate introduced her to Germando Magat. In Barstow, they exchanged their vows in 1977 and welcomed the arrival of their first daughter, Melissa Magat. They later moved to San Diego, to be closer to Gerry’s family, where their second daughter Michelle Magat was born. In between building her family and her private practice, she and Gerry moved the family to New Jersey from 1981-1982 where Dr. Pat Magat completed her Pediatric Residency at the Jersey Shore Medical Center Fitkin Hospital in Neptune, NJ.

In 1982, Dr. Pat Magat opened her private practice, establishing herself as one the first female minority pediatrician and general practitioners in Poway, California. Over time she expanded her practice opening additional locations in National City, Chula Vista, and Escondido. She also earned respect and admiration through her commitment to civic engagement, even running for the Poway Unified School District (PUSD) in hopes to represent the Filipino community. Her enterprising efforts also extended to the kitchen. In the mid 80’s she and Gerry also had a bakery in Rancho Peñasquitos. Her tireless spirit cared for her patients, friends, and family through her kindness, cooking, baking, gardening, and medical expertise that will be remembered for years to come.

Though she excelled professionally, Dr. Pat Magat's true joy and fulfillment resided in her role as a loving and devoted mother to her children: Eric, Nick Jr. and wife Michelle, Melissa and wife Jen, and Michelle and husband Andrew.

In addition to her children, Dr. Pat Magat leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, whom she adored and showered with affection, Sage, Riley, DJ, and Amelia.

Today, as we mourn the loss of a remarkable woman, let us also celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the indelible impact she made on so many hearts. Dr. Pat Magat's memory will forever live on through the lives she touched and the love she shared.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s Church in Poway at 10:40am on August 14, 2023. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and honor the life of this extraordinary woman.

Rest in eternal peace, dear Dr. Patrocinia Albania Magat, as you reunite with your loved ones who have gone before you. Your memory will forever be etched in our hearts, and your light will continue to shine.