On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, Gina Fe Villareal McWilliams, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and beloved sister, passed away at the age of 54. Gina was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in July of 2019, but after a brief remission Gina suddenly succumbed to complications of her Leukemia.
Gina, the third youngest child of Daniel and Lydia Villareal, was born February 18, 1966 in Makati, Manilla Philippines. At the age of 6, her family immigrated to the United States where they made their home in West Covina, California. She, along with her siblings, Daniel Jr., Rolando and Wendy became U.S citizens in 1979.
Gina made her career in the field of nursing as an LVN, primarily in the field of pediatrics for 28 years. She furthered her career and transitioned from bedside Nursing to Nursing Education and Management, when she obtained her RN degree in 2015. Her caring nature, sense of humor, empathy towards others and attention to detail, were just a few of her admirable qualities that enabled her to go above and beyond her Nursing career. She was a huge advocate for breast cancer awareness and volunteered yearly as an organizer for the Race for the Cure.
Gina had three great loves during her lifetime. First, was born on November 3, 1989. Troy Daniel entered her life and filled it with such overflowing pride and joy. She was a hard-working mother and a passionate figure of strength, who never waned in love or support for Troy. Second, was when she met and later married Dale McWilliams. Though they initially met in 2005 at the hospital Christmas party, a few months later the CEO of the hospital asked Dale to help Gina with the Race for the Cure. Their friendship blossomed into a beautiful romance in 2006 and since then they had been inseparable. On May 12, 2012 they became “official”. Gina was Dale’s best friend, love and soul mate. Third, Daniel Troy was born on December 1, 2018. During the last 18 months of her life, Gina was a patient, doting, selfless, and loving “spoiler” of her grandson.
She had a creative personality and enjoyed painting, crafting and entertaining. Her home was the center of many happy family and social gatherings.
Gina is survived by her husband Dale; son Troy Daniel, his wife Marisa and grandson Daniel Troy; stepchildren Michelle, Djuan and wife Tam, Shika and husband Richard, grandchildren Kayla, Jayson, Kamari and Zuri. She is also survived by her brothers Dan, Rolando and wife Kristi; Wendy and husband Brian, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The Viewing will be held prior to the Funeral service, Sunday, June 28 at 8:30 am. It will be a joint service with Gina’s mom, Lydia C. Villareal, who passed away on June 17, 2020. The Funeral service will be performed at Palm Eastern Mortuary at 10:00 am.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the McWilliams family.
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