Angelina ("Yeng") Liwanag Garcia

A Beautiful and Full Life Focused on God, Her Family, and Her Friendships

Angelina (“Yeng”) Liwanag Garcia, age 76, passed away on June 29, 2024 in San Diego, California after peacefully finishing her nightly Rosary prayer and preparing for bed.

Yeng was born in Caloocan City, Manila, Philippines in 1948. She was a lifelong student of the Manila Central University, attending MCU’s grade school, high school, and eventually graduating from their nursing school. Throughout her education, she demonstrated strong leadership qualities, leading morning assemblies, and frequently participating in theater. A proud member of the Nursing Class of 1970, she formed a close-knit group of friends who affectionately called themselves "The Clusters."

After graduating, she immigrated to Chicago in 1971 to work at St. Mary’s of Nazareth Hospital in the city’s Ukrainian Village. She learned Spanish and Polish to better care for her patients. Initially starting in the Labor and Delivery unit, she eventually found her true calling in the Psychiatric Ward, where she served as Head Nurse for many years before transitioning to a role in Patient Quality. She retired in 2008. She cherished her time at St. Mary’s, deeply appreciating its Catholic mission, and often spent her lunch breaks praying in the onsite chapel.

In her early years in the United States, she lived in the St. Mary’s dormitory and formed close friendships with a group of young, hardworking Filipino nurses. Together, they enjoyed their single lives, including an unforgettable road trip across the country in an Impala. Seven friends packed into the car—three in the front seat and four in the back—embarked on an adventure that took them to the Grand Canyon, Wyoming, Arizona, Bryce Canyon, California, and Las Vegas, all while dressed in the finest fashion of the 1970s.

In 1977, she met Ernie Garcia, a slender man known for his fondness for plaid suits, who introduced her to a life filled with adventures and new experiences. One of their first dates was at a Chicago Bears game, an outing Yeng did not enjoy due to the freezing January weather and her lack of interest in football. During their courtship, they shared many memorable moments, including picnics at Montrose Beach where they indulged in gyros and deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s. On September 24, 1977, they were married at the historic Bismarck Hotel in Chicago. Their marriage was a testament to their strong commitment and love for each other, lasting a remarkable 46 years. They renewed their vows on their 45th anniversary in a large family celebration.

They eventually settled in Westmont, Illinois, where they raised their three daughters, Valerie, Christine, and Natalie, along with their beloved dog, Miko, whom they affectionately considered a son. As natural hosts, Yeng and Ernie’s home became the heart of family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, where everyone felt welcome. Yeng would pull up the piano bench to accommodate more guests and always kept homemade egg rolls in the freezer, ready to be cooked and served at a moment's notice. She frequently hosted her siblings and their families for dinners and especially cherished Sunday morning breakfasts.

She was incredibly proud of her daughters. She never pushed her girls into their career paths, but instead only said, “Finish something, so you can serve God’s people.” She cherished attending their speech competitions, performances, and student council events, but graduations held a special place in her heart, often bringing tears of joy as she watched her girls on stage. In her final days, she had the joy of witnessing her grandkids' milestones: Ilana's commencement speech at her 5th-grade promotion, Brett's Kindergarten promotion, and Henry's preschool promotion.

After more than 30 years as a nurse, Ernie and Yeng retired to The Villages in Florida. She enjoyed dancing with Ernie in Sumter Landing on Friday nights, briefly trying to play golf, and spending time especially with her sister, Rose, and brother-in-law, Fernie. She became the President of the Asian American Club, where she organized many karaoke nights and events, and an active member of the Filipino American Association.

She came out of retirement and moved to San Diego in 2013, embracing her “Apo-stolic duty” to help raise her beloved grandchildren (apos), Ilana and Ellie. She treasured every moment, meticulously documenting their childhood milestones in journals. Later, she often traveled to San Francisco to help care for Grant and Henry. Always devoted to her apos, Yeng spent her last day on earth picking up donuts and candy for her grandkids, who were planning to visit her the next day and take her to church.

She continued to be active within the MCU community, where she served as President of the MCU Nurses Alumni Association. The lifelong friendships she had with her nursing classmates were steadfast. In their retirement years, she traveled often with them, and they spent countless hours gathering, eating, laughing, and reminiscing about their life journeys.

She loved music, singing, and traveling. While not classically trained and unable to read sheet music, she played the piano by ear. After retiring, she spent many years traveling with Ernie, traversing over 25 countries and 35 states, whether it was cruises, trips to Vegas, or visiting religious UNESCO sites, with her final major trip to Jerusalem.

Yeng had 7 brothers and sisters, and over 25 nieces and nephews – whom she was incredibly close to. In her early years in the US as a new nurse, she sent money to her brothers for their nursing school tuition. As the years went by, she regularly counseled everyone and her patient and non-judgmental demeanor made anyone feel at ease.

She lived by the belief that "The more you give, the more it comes back to you in double," and she selflessly dedicated herself to her family, friends, work, and, most importantly, her faith. A devout Catholic, she attended mass daily and, after retirement, often attended mass 2-3 times a day on TV. She faithfully prayed the Rosary each morning and night, frequently seeking God's guidance.

Yeng leaves behind her loving husband of 46 years, Ernie, her devoted daughters Valerie (Gerry), Christine (Nicholas), and Natalie (Matt), her five grandchildren, Ilana, Ellie, Grant, Brett, and Henry, her 6 brothers and sisters (Rose, Linda, Phillip, Mark, Sally, and Chit), over 25 nieces/nephews, and over 30 great nieces/nephews. She is preceded in death by her father, Tomas Liwanag, mother, Eustaquia Patawaran, and brother, Pedro Liwanag.

The Garcia Family deeply appreciates the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and loved ones, whose lives Yeng touched. During this unexpected and difficult time, it has become more apparent than ever how many lives she impacted. We find peace in the beautiful life she led and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. In accordance with Filipino Catholic tradition, a Visitation will be held on July 9 at El Camino Memorial in San Diego, CA, and Funeral Mass on July 10 at San Rafael Parish in San Diego, CA.