Perseveranda Aranzaso Sibayan

Percy was born in Silang, Cavite, Philippines to Iluminada Belardo Aranzaso and Adriano Aranzaso on June 26, 1952. She was one of eight children. Percy stood out as being strong-willed and a bit mischievous. She would race to finish dinner to avoid the chore of dish washing as a child. As a teenager she managed to catch the attention of a local television show with her dancing. She attended La Concordia College in Manila, Philippines receiving her BSN in nursing in 1975. Soon after, Percy along with three other nurses (Adelaida Abraham, Maria Lumapas Blanco, and Cleofe Francisco Lazo) traveled on a working visa to work in a 100-bed hospital named Centro Asturiano Hospital in Tampa, FL. Percy was admired by the doctors and her fellow nurses for her energy, efficiency, and helpfulness. She and her three friends saved enough money to purchase a small, red European car to share. Percy was the only one brave enough to drive it despite not yet having a driver’s license. Percy worked as a nurse for over 25 years ending her career at University Community Hospital Carrollwood and UCH Women’s. Percy loved being a nurse, but she loved being a mother and grandmother more. She was married to Jose (John) Sibayan Jr. on September 1, 1976. As a mother, she was a protector, rescuer, confidant, and friend. As a grandmother, she never hesitated to take care of her grandchildren. Her iPad had infinite battery life, the telenovelas fun to watch, and Lola Percy loved dessert for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Percy loved family. She petitioned to bring many of her family members to the USA. She made her home a home to many in every sense of the word. Her kindness and generosity will be missed by so many, but her legacy of love remains in her children and grandchildren.

Percy is preceded in death by her siblings Clemente Aranzaso, Cirilo Aranzaso, Arsenio Aranzaso, and Carmencita Santos.

Percy is survived by her children and their spouses Jose (Jonjie) III and Judy Sibayan, John and Kristy Sibayan, Jenette and Larry Cruz, and Jonathan Sibayan; her sisters, Florina Reyes, Victorina Mercado, and Cristina Aranzaso Famy; her grandchildren Adrian Sibayan, Julianna Sibayan, Jose (JJ) Sibayan IV, Kairi Sibayan, Josette Sibayan, Jake Sibayan, Jericho Cruz, Lorenzo Cruz, and baby girl Cruz due to arrive in July 2022; and her faithful dachshund Amor.

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Percy on Sunday, June 26th at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center. Those who wish to attend and send flowers are asked to contact the family members.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the AdventHealth Tampa doctors, ICU nurses (Kim, Savannah, and Rebecca), and staff.