Antonia Rubio Garrett

June 13, 1944 – December 8, 2024

Age 80

Antonia Rubio Garrett, age 80, a beloved mother, grandmother, and nurse, passed away unexpectedly on December 8, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends at South Coast Global Medical Center in Costa Mesa, California.

Antonia was born on June 13, 1944, in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines, to Josefa Talusig Rubio and Gonzalo Crespo Rubio. She was the oldest of seven siblings, predeceased by her brother Rolando Talusig Rubio and sister Marcella Talusig Rubio Chew. Antonia is survived by her sisters Carmelita Talusig Rubio Aguba, Elenita Talusig Rubio Winkowski, Mercedes Talusig Rubio Sebastian, and Lourdes Talusig Rubio Guevarra; by her only daughter, Jennifer Anne Garrett, and her five grandchildren: Anfernee-Malik Juwan Garrett, Janei Ilene Chavarria, Jaylyn Teresa Chavarria, Teya Ashlyn Skibo, Kadynne Brielle Garrett, and numerous cousins, relatives, friends, and acquaintances across the United States and the Philippines.

Antonia graduated from Meycauayan Institute before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 1966. In 1968, she courageously moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she began her nursing career at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Later, she served at the Veteran Affairs (VA) Hospital in Lakeside, Illinois. While working full-time, she advanced her education, earning a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Spertus College, graduating in 1989.

In 1990, Antonia relocated to Costa Mesa, California, with her family Frank Curtiss Garrett Jr. and Jennifer Anne Garrett. She continued her impactful career as a Registered Nurse at the VA Hospital in Long Beach, California, where she retired as a Nurse Manager and Educator. Over the course of her career, Antonia received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions to nursing. Notably, in 2007, she was honored with the Expanded Role for Excellence in Nursing Award from the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (ASCIP).

Antonia was also an active member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC) for over 30 years, through which she participated in medical missions to serve underprivileged communities in the Philippines, further exemplifying her dedication to compassionate care and service.

Following her retirement, Antonia devoted her time to caring for her grandchildren and traveling to destinations across the United States and the world, including Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, and Italy. She enjoyed watching sports, especially football and basketball, and spent many joyful days with friends at Valley View Casino & Hotel.

Antonia’s compassion, love for family, and dedication to nursing left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

A visitation for Antonia will be held Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. A chapel mass/rosary will occur Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Harbor Lawn Mortuary Chapel. A reception will occur Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Harbor Lawn Mortuary Reception Room.