Marina Cervantes' Obituary
With great sorrow and a heavy heart, the Cervantes family announce the passing of Marina Dalisay Cervantes, 99, of Lakewood, Washington on September 3, 2023. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family following a short illness. As a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Auntie she will be greatly missed. She had such vitality and lived a long and prosperous life. She was strong, fearless, generous, and had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor.
Marina was born on April 17, 1924, in Quezon City, Philippines to Pedron Dalisay and Democrita Andrade. She was the oldest of 7 children who all preceded her in death, as well as her parents.
Marina was passionate about the importance of education and was a role model to her children. She received her teaching certificate in 1941 from The National Teachers College, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. In 1967 she received a nursing diploma from the last graduating class at Saint Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, Tacoma, Washington. Working full-time as a registered nurse she pursued further education earning a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Washington in 1972. She then earned two masters degrees: A Masters of Art in 1977 from Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, and A Masters in Health Administration in 1989 from Chapman University. In addition, she also earned an Associate Degree in Technical Arts in 1985 from Tacoma Community College.
Throughout her nursing career she worked at various hospitals from the University of Washington Hospital, Seattle to Western State and Madigan Hospital, Tacoma Washington. In 1994 she retired from American Lake Veterans Hospital, Tacoma, Washington after 25 years of service.
On March 11, 1945, she married Lt Anthony V. Cervantes (US Army) at the San Jose Parish Church of Trozo, Manila, Philippines. This began their amazing adventures and wonderful life and family together as their travels took them throughout the Philippines to Saipan, California, Alaska, Missouri, across the United States to Germany and across Europe. In 1962 they settled in Lakewood Washington, where she eventually began her career as a registered nurse. Along with her husband she was a very active member of the Tacoma Filipino Brotherhood Association. They also found their love for Hawaii and built two homes on Maui, which they enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Marina had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She enjoyed cooking delicious Filipino dishes and loved having a houseful of family and friends. Marina had an incredible passion and “green thumb” for growing beautiful gardens. In Washington her garden is filled with rhododendrons, azaleas, and award-winning flowers including hydrangeas, lilies, roses and dahlias. Her Hawaiian garden included orchids, bougainvillea, anthuriums, banana, papaya, and orange trees. Her “secret” to living a long and healthy life was “no smoking and drinking and staying active”. Up until her death she was independent in walking and worked in her garden.
Marina had such great love, devotion, and enjoyment for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an inspiration and amazing role model to her 5 children: Anthony D. Cervantes (Joanne Straub), Joyce Presas (Benjamin), Marie Cervantes Waldman (June 27, 1949-July 29, 2023), Phyllis Coolen, and Michael Cervantes (Sunny), as well as to her 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marina was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lt Anthony V. Cervantes (US Army Ret), her loving daughter, Marie Cervantes Waldmann, her loved sons in laws: Thomas Waldmann and Patrick Coolen, and her cherished parents and two brothers and four sisters.
Services will be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Aspen Chapel at 10am, Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA. The Rosary will be said at 930am at Aspen Chapel prior to the service. A graveside service following the funeral service will be held at the Veterans section, where she will be buried next to her beloved husband. A reception afterwards will be held at the Celebration of Life Hall, next to the Aspen Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Multicare Tacoma Hospice or Maui Humane Society.
Thank you for your love and support. Salamat, po at mahal. Mahalo a aloha
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