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We honor and remember Jeddah Abaquin Mariano, BSN, RN, a devoted nurse, caregiver, healer, wife, mother, colleague, and friend whose life was defined by compassion, service, and unwavering dedication to others.

Jeddah earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Martinez Memorial College in Caloocan City, Philippines, graduating in March 1976. Shortly thereafter, she began her nursing career at San Lazaro Hospital in the Philippines, embarking on a professional journey that would span more than four decades and touch countless lives across the world.

Throughout her career, Jeddah served patients in a variety of healthcare settings and communities. From the Philippines to Nigeria, and eventually to the United States, she answered the call to care wherever she was needed. In Kano, Nigeria, she worked at Kano Psychiatric Hospital in Dawanaw, providing compassionate care to patients facing mental health challenges. After immigrating to the United States in 1985, she continued her nursing career in Southern California, working in skilled nursing facilities, home health, and long-term care settings. Her service included roles in Echo Park, Long Beach, Fullerton, and Anaheim, where she became a treasured member of the healthcare community.

Jeddah’s nursing expertise was broad and remarkable. She worked in acute care, psychiatric nursing, home health, skilled nursing, residential care, and wound treatment. During her years at Country Villa Plaza, she became especially respected as a Wound Care and Treatment Nurse, caring for patients with pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, and other complex conditions requiring both technical skill and extraordinary patience. She understood that healing involved more than treatment alone. It required dignity, comfort, kindness, and genuine human connection.

One of Jeddah’s greatest accomplishments was not a single award or title, but the enduring consistency of her service. For many years she balanced multiple nursing roles simultaneously, often working two jobs to provide for her family while remaining a dependable presence for patients and coworkers alike. Employers trusted her, colleagues relied on her, and patients found reassurance in her care. Even amid a demanding career, she remained devoted to her family, intentionally setting aside precious time to spend with her son, Chad.

While formal recognition may fade with time, the true measure of a nurse’s legacy is found in the lives they touch Jeddah’s greatest accolades came from grateful patients, appreciative coworkers, and families who entrusted their loved ones to her care. She had a special gift for making people feel seen, valued, and important.

Jeddah was known for bringing warmth wherever she went. She believed that presenting herself with pride and grace was part of caring for her patients. She wanted those she served to feel as though an angel had entered the room, bringing comfort and hope. Her kindness extended beyond the bedside. Coworkers fondly remember her friendship, her laughter, and the homemade pancit she would share on weekends. Through simple acts of generosity, she made coworkers feel like family and transformed ordinary shifts into moments of fellowship and joy.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of Jeddah’s legacy is the impact she had on her son, Chad. As a child, he occasionally accompanied his mother to work, watching her interact with patients and colleagues. She proudly introduced him to those she cared for and explained the skills and responsibilities of nursing. Through her example, she taught him not only how a nurse works, but how a nurse cares. Her influence was so profound that Chad eventually followed in her footsteps and became a nurse himself. In this way, Jeddah’s commitment to nursing lives on through another generation.

Jeddah’s life reflected the values she carried into every patient room and every community she served: compassion, service, faith, family, dignity, generosity, hard work, and selflessness. She treated every individual with courtesy and respect. She believed in doing what was right, following through on commitments, and offering kindness whenever she could.

As we reflect on her life and career, we remember not only the thousands of hours she worked or the countless patients she treated, but the way she made people feel. She brought comfort during illness, dignity during vulnerability, friendship during difficult days, and hope when it was needed most.

Today, we honor Jeddah Abaquin Mariano, BSN, RN.

A nurse.

A caregiver.

A healer.

A mentor by example.

A devoted mother.

A woman whose life was a testament to service and compassion. Though her nursing career concluded with her retirement in 2022, her legacy remains alive in every patient she comforted, every coworker she encouraged, every family she served, and in the son who proudly followed her example. May we remember Jeddah not only for what she did, but for who she was: a nurse whose compassion became her legacy and whose service made the world a better place.

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We honor Donna, a dedicated nurse whose life was marked by compassionate service, clinical excellence, and unwavering devotion to caring for others. Donna graduated with a Diploma in Nursing from St. Aaline Sanatorium in 1956, beginning a remarkable nursing career that would span more than 35 years. In December of that same year, she married her beloved husband, embarking on a beautiful partnership that lasted 57 years. While raising her family and supporting her husband as he completed his Master's degree in Business Management, Donna continued to pursue her calling in nursing and completed her BSN at Walla Walla University School of Nursing.

From 1967 to 1972, Donna and her family answered a higher calling through mission service in Ghana, Africa, where she worked in consulting roles at mission fields associated with Lodi Memorial. Her passion for helping others extended far beyond the walls of the hospital and across international borders.

After settling in Southern California, Donna worked at Riverside General Hospital before finding her professional home at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Throughout her career, she served in a variety of highly specialized areas, including Intensive Care, the Operating Room, Critical Care, Cardiac Intensive Care, and Neuro Intensive Care. These units demanded exceptional knowledge, sound clinical judgment, and unwavering attention to detail, qualities for which Donna was well known and deeply respected.

In 1985, Donna's expertise in critical care earned her selection to a distinguished international medical outreach team. She traveled to North Korea, where she spent a month serving as part of an elite cardiac surgical team performing life-saving heart surgeries. This extraordinary opportunity reflected the trust and confidence others placed in her exceptional nursing abilities.

Donna was known not only for her clinical skill, but also for her commitment to mentoring and teaching new nurses. She believed there were no shortcuts in nursing. Every task was approached with precision, thoroughness, and professionalism. Her high standards helped shape future generations of nurses and left a lasting impact on colleagues and patients alike.

Even after retirement, Donna loved sharing stories from her nursing career. Through her storytelling, she preserved memories of a profession she deeply respected and a calling she faithfully fulfilled.

We recognize and celebrate Donna's legacy of service, excellence, compassion, and dedication. Her healing hands, caring heart, and commitment to nursing touched countless lives and will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.

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For 25 years, Phyllis Cumbie faithfully served patients, families, and colleagues at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Labor & Delivery/Maternal Child Health. Throughout her years of service, she demonstrated compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence that left a lasting impact on everyone privileged to work alongside her.

Phyllis's life was remarkable long before she became a nurse. As a child, she faced serious autoimmune illnesses, and doctors did not expect her to survive beyond her youth. Yet Phyllis possessed an extraordinary determination to live, thrive, and embrace every opportunity life offered. Through courage, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit, she defied expectations and lived to the age of 84, becoming a powerful inspiration to all who knew her. Her life serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope.

A proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Phyllis was truly a Renaissance woman. She nurtured a wide variety of interests and talents throughout her life. She enjoyed collecting coins painting, and creating beautifully crafted works by hand. Her artistic gifts and creativity brought beauty and joy to those around her, and her curiosity about the world never diminished.

Phyllis possessed a wealth of wisdom gained through a lifetime of experiences. She generously shared her knowledge, encouragement, and perspective with friends, coworkers, and patients. Her kindness, resilience, and grace touched countless lives, and her ability to overcome adversity inspired others to face their own challenges with courage.

More than a dedicated nurse, Phyllis was a woman of remarkable character, creativity, and strength. Her legacy is one of service, perseverance, wisdom, and love. She leaves behind an enduring example of how a life lived with purpose, determination, and compassion can positively influence generations.

Phyllis Cumbie inspired others not only through the care she provided as a nurse, but through the extraordinary way she lived her life. Her memory will continue to encourage all who knew her to live fully, love deeply, and never surrender hope.

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Ambar Reed began her healthcare career at Huntington Beach Hospital in December 2018 as a member of the Environmental Services (EVS) Department. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for caring for others, she continuously advanced her education and professional skills in service to her patients and community.

Driven by her passion for helping others, Ambar furthered her education and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in August 2020. She then transitioned to the Behavioral Health Unit, where she provided compassionate, patient-centered care while continuing to develop her clinical skills and knowledge. Committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, Ambar continued her nursing education at California Career Institute. Her dedication and perseverance culminated in earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license on September 28, 2021.

In recognition of her achievements, hard work, and clinical excellence, she was promoted within the department in December 2021. As she continued to grow throughout her nursing career, there is no doubt that she would have gone on to become an exceptional Registered Nurse. No matter what title she held, one thing never changed: she was always there to help.

Ambar was the kind of nurse who stepped in wherever she was needed. She often joked that she was floated so frequently that one day she might be called to help in Maintenance or Security, and truthfully, she probably would have if they needed her. She never hesitated to lend a hand, solve a problem, advocate for others, or make someone laugh.

She was direct, honest, hardworking, and could type louder and complete her work faster than anyone. She cared deeply for her daughter, Kimberly, whom she lovingly referred to as her “good girl,” as well as for her family, friends, and coworkers. She had a unique way of making people feel supported, whether through her encouragement, her humor, her honesty, or her fierce protectiveness of those she cared about.

Ambar could always be counted on. She made sure the cups were stocked, the pitchers were filled, the snacks were ready, and if a patient needed a little extra clarification about the rules, she was always front and center. She took pride in everything she did. Her hair, makeup, uniform, and shoes were always perfect, reflecting the professionalism and confidence she brought to work every day. She was truly beautiful inside and out.

Ambar will be remembered not only for her professional achievements, but also for the kindness, warmth, strength, humor, and caring presence she shared with patients, families, colleagues, and friends. Those who knew her treasured her compassion, dedication, and the positive impact she made in the lives of others. Her journey from EVS team member to Licensed Vocational Nurse reflects perseverance, determination, and a heartfelt commitment to serving others.

Though her life was far too short, Ambar's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the example she set through her service, compassion, and devotion to nursing. Her laughter, her sarcasm, her willingness to help, and her generous heart will be deeply missed.

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With full hearts to honor the life, service, and legacy of Victoria “Vicki” Stroh, BSN, RN. We remember not only the nurse she became, but the person she was compassionate, steady, devoted, and deeply called to care for others. Vicki’s nursing journey was more than a career. It reflected who she was at her core—a woman who brought comfort where there was fear, calm where there was uncertainty, and dignity where it was needed most.

Vicki began her higher education at Ventura College and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science from California State University, Sacramento in 2010. Inspired by the medical legacies of her father and great-grandmother, she answered the call to nursing and earned her BSN from Azusa Pacific University in 2013. That call became a sacred part of her life. For more than a decade, Vicki served on the front lines of emergency room and trauma care throughout the High Desert. At Victor Valley Global Medical Center, St. Mary Medical Center, and Barstow Community Hospital, she gave her skill, strength, patience, and heart to patients and families facing some of their most vulnerable moments.

As nurses, we know that the work is not measured only in years served, shifts worked, or places of employment. It is measured in the lives touched, the hands held, the quiet prayers whispered, the families supported, and the moments when a nurse chooses to stay present even when the work is heavy. Vicki carried that responsibility with grace. She stood beside strangers and treated them with compassion.

She brought knowledge and confidence to urgent moments. She brought tenderness to suffering. She gave of herself in ways that many may never fully know, but that will never be forgotten.

The Nurse Honor Guard stands in respect for Vicki’s service. We recognize her as one of our own—a nurse who answered the call, wore the title with honor, and carried the responsibility of caring for others with devotion. Though her earthly work is now complete, the light she brought into the lives of her patients, coworkers, friends, and family continues. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every patient she comforted, and every act of care given in her memory. Vicki, we honor you. We honor the nurse you were, the compassion you shared, the courage you carried, and the healing presence you offered so freely. We thank you for your years of service, for your dedication to emergency and trauma care, and for the love you poured into a profession that asks so much of those who answer its call.

And now, with gratitude and reverence, we release you from your nursing duties. Your shift is complete. Your charting is done. Your patients are cared for. Your work here is finished. May you rest in peace, surrounded by the love you gave so generously and the honor you so deeply deserve. Well done, faithful nurse. We will take the watch from here.

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Teresa "Mila" Pham dedicated her life to caring for others. Nursing was a natural career path for Mila, as she had been a caregiver for her family throughout her life. Her compassionate spirit, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping those in need made her a trusted and valued nurse.

Mila graduated from Concorde Career Institute in Orange, California, earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credential and beginning a career devoted to service and healing. She proudly served her patients with kindness, dignity, and professionalism, always placing their needs at the center of her care.

During her nursing career, Mila worked at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where she was known for her dedication to both her patients and her profession. She approached every day with compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Mila's legacy lives on through the many patients, colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives she touched. Her unwavering devotion to caring for others reflects the very best of the nursing profession, and her service will be remembered with gratitude and respect.

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We honor the life and nursing legacy of Noemi Sangria, a devoted nurse whose compassion, skill, and steadfast service touched countless lives. Noemi graduated from Marion School of Nursing in Manila, Philippines, in 1963, beginning a lifelong calling to care for others with dignity and grace. 

She later continued her education at the University of Phoenix, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1996. Throughout her remarkable career, Noemi served patients and families in Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, Chicago, and California, bringing comfort, knowledge, and kindness wherever she was needed. She worked in many areas of nursing, including intensive care and gastroenterology, and retired from Kaiser in 2007 after 33 years of dedicated service. 

As the Nurse Honor Guard, we pause in gratitude for her healing hands, her compassionate heart, and her unwavering commitment to the profession of nursing. Noemi’s light lives on in the patients she comforted, the families she supported, and the nurses she inspired.

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Lordes Llave, RN graduated in 1948, shortly after World War II,from the University Santo Thomas, Philippines and began a lifelong career devoted to nursing, service, and faith. She worked at Proventil Hospital and Quezon Memorial Hospital, serving in the Emergency Department and later as a supervisor. In 1960, she came to Chicago as an exchange student and practiced nursing there for two years. She then returned to the Philippines and continued practicing until her retirement in 1981. Even after retirement, she continued caring for others by volunteering at a homeless shelter in Los Angeles, where she helped provide food, clothing, and spiritual support.

Deeply religious, she had once hoped to become a nun, but as the eldest of eight children, she helped support her family. Nursing became her calling and a way to serve the sick and those in need. She also trained other nurses in both Chicago and the Philippines and was involved with a school of nursing in the Philippines. Her example inspired others, including her daughter Elizabeth, who also chose nursing as her profession.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbtPj2pl0PI/

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Lucia Tinio received her nursing education at the Chinese General School of Nursing in the Philippines, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1969. From the very beginning, nursing was never just a profession for Lucia; it was a calling that reflected who she was at heart—compassionate, selfless, gentle, and deeply devoted to helping others.

She began her career at the Chinese General School of Nursing and later worked at Temple University before coming to the United States as part of her internship. After returning to the Philippines, she taught nursing at the Chinese General School of Nursing, passing on not only her knowledge, but also the values of kindness, patience, and service that defined her life.

She later returned to the United States and began her Kaiser career in 1976 in the Cardiac Care Unit at Kaiser Sunset. She transferred to Kaiser Bellflower and practiced in the Adult Intensive Care Unit and later in Dialysis. Lucia retired from Kaiser in 2007 after 31 years of service, then began a new chapter as a home health nurse and practiced nursing at Knott’s Berry Farm. With quiet strength, steady faith, and unwavering dedication, Lucia devoted more than 42 years to healing, comforting, and serving others.

In a deeply meaningful full-circle moment, Lucia later returned to Kaiser as a hospice patient. The place where she had spent so many years offering comfort, dignity, and care became the place where she herself was lovingly cared for—a reflection of the love and compassion she had given so generously throughout her life.

Lucia was truly a nurse’s nurse: caring, kind, warmhearted, passionate, giving, and faithful. To those who knew her, she was more than an excellent nurse; she was a calming presence, a steady hand, and a generous heart. She cared for people with skill, but also with tenderness, humility, and genuine concern. Her dedication to nursing was recognized with the DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing care, and she was also named Nurse of the Year.

As the first in her family to come to the United States, Lucia courageously opened a path that inspired her siblings, brother-in-law, daughter, nieces, and nephews to become nurses. Her life became a living example of service, faith, gratitude, and love. Soft-spoken and humble, she gave of herself every day, often in quiet ways that left a lasting impact. Lucia’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she inspired, and the generations of nurses who continue to carry forward her spirit of compassionate care. She will be remembered not only for the work she did, but for the love she poured int and the enduring example she leaves for all of us.

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Sarah Jane Verduzco, LVN, will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her devotion to caring for others, and the love she shared with her family. Her journey into nursing was inspired early in life by her grandmother, a longtime nurse whose work at Garden Grove Nursing Home left a lasting impression on Sarah and helped shape her own calling to serve.

Following a Calling to Serve Sarah graduated from Pacific Coast College in 2021 and carried forward the example set by her grandmother. She also volunteered at the Long Beach Veterans Hospital, where she served alongside her grandmother and deepened her connection to the nursing profession. These experiences reflected the kindness, dedication, and sense of purpose that became central to her life.

A Compassionate Nurse- Much of Sarah’s nursing career was spent in hospice care with BrightStar in Santa Ana. She loved working with her patients and was devoted to making sure they felt cared for, comfortable, and respected. Her presence brought warmth to difficult moments, and she approached her work with patience, dignity, and genuine compassion.

Sarah’s care reached beyond medical support. She often shared jokes and laughter with her patients when she could, bringing comfort through kindness and human connection. She also took sincere interest in their traditions and personal histories. When caring for a Jewish doctor, for example, she made the effort to learn about his traditions so she could better understand and honor his background.

In 2013, Sarah was involved in a devastating auto accident that left her disabled and unable to return to nursing. Though the accident ended her professional nursing duties, it did not diminish the caring spirit that defined her. She continued to want the best for those around her and found great pride and joy in her four children and two granddaughters.

Sarah’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched—as a nurse, a volunteer, a mother, a grandmother, and a person who showed compassion in both small gestures and meaningful acts of care. She will be remembered with love for her warmth, her humor, her dedication, and the kindness she gave so freely to others.

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In 1973 Carol graduated from nursing and began a career she was deeply proud of as a Registered Nurse with Kaiser Permanente in Bellflower, California. During nearly 20-year tenure she served as Secretary for KBRNA and as Hospital President for KBRNA. She worked on medical, surgical unit and outpatient surgery units. Carol was both a patient advocate and a nurse advocate.

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Melanie Renee Smith, RN, dedicated her life to serving others with compassion, integrity, and unwavering kindness. A graduate of Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Melanie earned her nursing degree in November 2017 and quickly began her career at Intercommunity Hospital in Covina, where she worked in the Direct Observation Unit (DOU).

Throughout her nursing career, Melanie was recognized for her exceptional patient care, earning multiple DAISY Awards through nominations from patients, families, and colleagues. She was known not only for her clinical skills, but for her immense empathy, strong leadership, and genuine ability to connect with those around her. Melanie treated everyone with dignity and respect, leaving a lasting impact on coworkers, patients, and families alike.

Nursing was a natural extension of Melanie’s nurturing spirit and desire to help others. She found great fulfillment in caring for those in need and ensuring that every person she encountered felt valued and seen. Whether comforting a frightened patient, supporting a family during a difficult time, or encouraging a fellow nurse, Melanie consistently gave her very best.

Even when facing her own health challenges, Melanie continued to inspire those around her with her strength, grace, and resilience. Her kindness made a lasting impression on countless lives, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

Melanie will be remembered as a devoted nurse, a loyal coworker, and a compassionate soul who enriched every life she touched. Her life was truly a gift, and her dedication to caring for others serves as a lasting example of the very best of the nursing profession.

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We honor the life and service of Veneranda “Vennie” Sabillo, a devoted nurse whose career reflected compassion, excellence, and unwavering dedication to others.

Nurse Vennie began her nursing journey in the Philippines, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went on to dedicate more than 35 years of service as a Registered Nurse, providing compassionate, skilled care to countless patients and families.

Her specialty was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where she demonstrated exceptional expertise in caring for the most vulnerable among us—newborn infants in critical need. Through her gentle hands and steady presence, she provided not only clinical care, but comfort, hope, and reassurance to families during their most difficult moments.

Throughout her career, Nurse Vennie was known for her clinical excellence, calm leadership, and unwavering commitment to those she served. She exemplified the true spirit of nursing through both her skill and her heart.

She served as the Charge Nurse in the NICU at Kaiser Permanente in Baldwin Park, where she led her team with professionalism, mentored fellow nurses, and upheld the highest standards of care. Her leadership left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the many patients entrusted to her care.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nurse Vennie will be remembered as a selfless, loving, and faithful individual who touched countless lives with kindness, warmth, and generosity.

Nurse Vennie’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and lifelong service. Her contributions to the nursing profession and to humanity will not be forgotten. The lives she touched continue to carry forward her spirit of care.

We honor Nurse Vennie for a career well served and a life well lived.

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Valerie graduated from nursing school with her RN in 1970. She worked at Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles while continuing her education receiving her BS and education credentials. She worked at St Francis, Memorial hospital, UCI, received her master's degree at UCLA and taught Case Management. Her last assignment was a Case Manager at UCI in Orange County before retiring. She loved to work ICU. Out of all her career assignments she loved ICU. She was also a trauma, cardiac, and surgery nurse. She retired after 52 years of nursing. Well done Valerie!

With solemn respect and gratitude to honor and celebrate the life and nursing career of Jill Uhle, RN. We pause to recognize her service, her compassion, and her unwavering commitment to those entrusted to her care. We remember not only the nurse she was, but the legacy she leaves within the profession.

Jill began her nursing career in 1984 after graduating from California State University, Long Beach. She started at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower, where she faithfully served patients in inpatient nursing before answering the calling to hospice care—providing comfort, dignity, and compassion at life’s most vulnerable moments.

She continued her career at Lakeview Medical Center, where she expanded her impact through many vital roles:

Medical-surgical nurse

Hospice nurse

Discharge planner

Nursing Supervisor, then known as a Nurse Clinician Performance Improvement Advisor to nursing.

Committed to lifelong learning, Jill furthered her education at the University of Southern California, proudly embracing her role as a Trojan. After her time at Lakeview, Jill continued her service at the Kaiser Permanente Regional Offices in Pasadena as a Performance Improvement Advisor. In this role, she helped guide and strengthen care across Southern California, leading efforts to improve outcomes in:

Stroke

Heart failure

Sepsis

Jill was a steadfast advocate—for her patients, for her colleagues, and for the nursing profession. She believed in continuous improvement, in doing what is right, and in lifting others along the way. She was a mentor, a teacher, and a trusted voice, always willing to share her knowledge and support the growth of others.

Jill lived the values of nursing each day, representing the profession with excellence, compassion, and integrity. As we honor Jill, we recognize a life of service that will not be forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the nurses she mentored, and the care she helped improve.

May we carry forward her dedication, her advocacy, and her spirit of compassion.

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We honor and remember Sandra “Sandy” Yates-Henderson, a devoted nurse whose career spanned more than three decades of compassionate service, leadership, and dedication to others.

Sandy began her career in 1973 after earning her Practical Nursing diploma in Indiana. She continued advancing her education throughout her life, earning her Associate of Science degree from Long Beach City College in 1977, attending the Los Angeles County Medical Center School of Nursing in 1980, and later completing her Bachelor of Science degree from Fullerton College in 1990. Her dedication to lifelong learning reflected the deep commitment she had to her profession and to the people she served.

She spent much of her career at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, where she became known not only for her clinical skill, but also for her leadership, compassion, and unwavering advocacy for patients and staff alike. Through hard work, determination, and integrity, Sandra rose through the ranks to become Director of Nursing, an accomplishment she was deeply proud of.

Sandra chose nursing because she genuinely cared about the wellbeing of others. She believed that even small acts of kindness and care could change someone’s life. What she loved most about nursing was knowing she could make a difference each day, whether comforting a patient, supporting a family, or mentoring a young nurse beginning their career.

She was especially respected for her leadership and mentorship. Sandra trained and guided many nurses throughout her career, and many of those professional relationships became lifelong friendships. She led by example with strength, compassion, and empathy and inspired countless others to pursue excellence in patient care.

Sandra’s impact extended far beyond the hospital walls. Her career influenced her family and community by showing the value of service, perseverance, education, and compassion for others. She carried herself with dignity and purpose, always believing that caring for people was both a responsibility and a privilege. Above all, Sandra would want to be remembered as someone who truly cared for her patients, her coworkers, her family, and her community. Nursing was never simply a job to her; it was her calling, and she dedicated her life to serving others with kindness, strength, and heart.

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We honor and remember Paul Villamil, RN , a dedicated nurse whose life was defined by compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to others. Like Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, Paul answered a calling—not just to treat illness, but to bring comfort, dignity, and healing to those in their most vulnerable moments. Nursing was not simply his profession; it was his purpose.

Paul graduated from the University of Pangasinan in Dagupan City, Philippines, earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1991. He began his nursing journey at the National Kidney Institute in Quezon City, where he served as a staff nurse, building the foundation of skill and compassion that would define his career. In 1995, Paul brought his dedication to the United States, where he continued his work at Mercy Medical Center in Laredo, Texas. There, he served as both staff nurse and charge nurse in the MICU/SICU, specializing in the care of patients undergoing open heart surgeries and craniotomies—a role that required exceptional expertise, calmness, and strength.

He later worked at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, California, and from 2000 to 2008, he generously shared his knowledge and skill as a travel nurse, bringing care and healing to countless patients across multiple hospitals.

In 2008, Paul became a charge nurse at Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, California, where he continued to lead, mentor, and serve with distinction. In 2021, he joined Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, working as a per-diem registered nurse in the Coronary Care Unit. During this time, Paul was recognized with multiple perfect attendance awards, a reflection of his dedication, reliability, and deep sense of responsibility to his patients and his team.

Paul was known not only for his clinical excellence, but for his kind heart, gentle presence, and genuine compassion. He touched lives in ways that cannot be measured—in quiet moments of reassurance, in skilled hands that brought healing, and in a spirit that lifted those around him. We honor a nurse whose work made the world softer, kinder, and more human.

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Marie graduated with her LVN on 09.01.1978 as a single-mom as a way to support her family. She worked primarily in geriatrics. She decided to go back to school to earn her nursing degree. She graduated from Glendale Community College on 05.22.1997 with her ASN. She focused on geriatric patients, but also worked in Oncology.

We gather to honor a remarkable woman whose life was defined by compassion and strength. As a nurse, she devoted herself to easing pain and restoring dignity, offering comfort not only through her skill, but through her presence. She understood that healing goes beyond medicine—it lives in kindness, patience, and the simple act of truly seeing another person.

To her family, she was so much more than her profession. She was a steady source of warmth and unwavering support. Marie welcomed others with an open heart, gave generously of herself, and carried herself in a way that made people feel safe and cared for. Her love shaped the lives around her in lasting ways.

We will remember her not only for what she did, but for who she was—a truly extraordinary woman whose spirit continues to guide and inspire us. She will always be loved and never forgotten.

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The ceremony is lead by the magnet committee for the fallen RN's, NP's and PA's for the last year in the serenity garden by the ED entrance. The ceremony is part of Nurse's Week celebration.

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Born in the Bronx, New York in 1941. Her family moved to California when Michele was a young girl settling in Covina, CA. She began her nursing career in 1966, graduating with her LVN from Citrus College in Glendora, CA. Michele soon earned her RN from Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, and her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from UCLA. Later she would earn her BSN, MSN, and Ph.D in Nursing.

After earning her PNP, Michele was instrumental in beginning the Head Start program in Los Angeles County, CA. She was listed in Who’s Who in the West for her contributions. As her career matured, Michele shifted her focus to Quality Management. Michele always strived for excellence in nursing, and was a staunch advocate for the health and welfare of nurses, studying nurse fatigue and patient harm.

Michele’s career spanned from 1966 to 2016, when she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s DiseaseShe was a beloved colleague to many, and was affectionately known as Dr. Mom to her three children, Michael, Stephanie, and Andrea. She passed peacefully in her sleep on March 7th, 2026 while under hospice care.

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Florame Tancinco Ramirez devoted her life to the calling of nursing, serving with compassion, dedication, and quiet leadership for decades. A proud graduate of St. Teresita School of Nursing, Class of 1971, she began her nursing career in July 1971, answering a call that would shape not only her own life, but the lives of her family, colleagues, and countless patients.

Throughout her distinguished career, Florame served in a wide range of healthcare settings, including: Capitol Medical Center (1971–1972), Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center – V. Luna General Hospital, FHP, Coastal Community Hospital, Fairview Developmental Center, Kindred Hospital, St. Joseph, University of California, Irvine (UCI), and Multiple skilled nursing facilities and nursing registries.

Her clinical experience spanned Postpartum, Medical-Surgical, and Pediatrics, where she was known for her calm presence, clinical skill, and deep empathy for patients and families. Among her proudest accomplishments was attaining the role of Clinical Nurse III in Postpartum, a testament to her expertise and commitment to excellence.

Florame was also a gifted educator and mentor. While at V. Luna General Hospital, she served as a clinical instructor, shaping the next generation of nurses through patience, encouragement, and high standards. Her influence extended far beyond the bedside—she made a lasting difference in the careers of those she mentored and inspired.

Interestingly, nursing was not her first dream. Florame initially felt called to religious life and once hoped to become a nun. However, her path ultimately led her to a nursing profession she came to love deeply. She found purpose in caring for others and fulfillment in making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and mentees.

Her legacy is profoundly personal as well as professional. Three of her four children became nurses, following her and carrying forward her passion for service, compassion, and integrity. Florame will be remembered as kind‑hearted, ever compassionate, and always welcoming others with a warm smile. Her life exemplified the true spirit of nursing—service, mentorship, and love for humanity. It is with deep respect and gratitude that we honor Florame Tancinco Ramirez, RN, for a lifetime of faithful service to the nursing profession.

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Joyce began her nursing journey with graduation from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, New York, on September 12, 1955. Immediately following graduation, she worked for a gynecologist in Syracuse, New York, beginning her professional career with dedication and skill. In 1956, Joyce married her “Prince Charming” and soon became a devoted mother to two daughters, lovingly placing her nursing career on hold to focus on her family. When she returned to nursing, she found her true calling in skilled nursing and geriatric care, where her compassion and integrity flourished.

In 1977, Joyce joined Beverly Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Seal Beach, California, beginning what would become the most defining chapter of her professional life. She led not by authority, but by example earning the trust, respect, and affection of the nurses she supported. Many credit Joyce with helping them grow professionally, and several are here today as a testament to her lasting impact.

During her time at Beverly Manor, she rose to the role of Director of Nursing, a position she held with exceptional integrity, loyalty, and compassion. She was widely respected and deeply loved by the nurses she led, many of whom remain grateful for her mentorship and are present today in her honor.

Joyce believed leadership meant lifting others up. She took the time to mentor nurses and administrators, encouraging them to see their own potential. Her steady presence brought comfort and confidence, and her warmth brought smiles—so much so that her brother lovingly nicknamed “J.O.,” a nickname that reflected the joy she carried into every room.

Even after her retirement in 1997, her service did not end. She returned as a volunteer, visiting residents who had no family, sitting with them, listening to them, and ensuring they never felt alone. She held a deep and abiding love for the elderly, especially those facing life’s most vulnerable moments and often remained with them until the end of life. Her heart held a special place for the elderly, and she treated every patient with dignity, respect, and genuine kindness.

Her legacy is one of selfless service, compassionate leadership, and profound devotion to geriatric nursing. She lived her nursing oath not just as a profession, but as a way of life.

Eleanor “Elly” Ghan devoted her life to the art and science of nursing, leaving a legacy defined not only by clinical excellence, but by leadership, loyalty, and human connection. Elly began her nursing journey after graduating from Chong Hua Nursing School in the Philippines, where she laid the foundation for a career marked by dedication, courage, and compassion.

From the very beginning, nursing was not simply her profession—it was her calling. Throughout her distinguished career, Elly served in many healthcare settings, including Chapman Global, West Anaheim, Kaiser Permanente, and Buena Vista. At Buena Vista, Elly rose to the role of Director of Nursing for the Skilled Nursing Facility and Sub‑Acute Unit, where her leadership profoundly shaped the quality of care and the culture of the organization. What made Elly truly extraordinary—and what defines her nursing legacy—was her unmatched ability to connect with people. She valued every member of her team, from bedside staff to leadership, and she led with respect, authenticity, and heart. Elly did not simply manage teams; she built families.

Her leadership inspired fierce loyalty. Time and again, when Elly moved on to a new opportunity, her staff chose to follow her. Teams reunited, facilities transformed, and excellence followed—because where Elly went, standards rose and care flourished. This happened repeatedly throughout her career, and those who worked with her proudly referred to themselves as Elly’s team.

Together, Elly and her teams delivered top‑notch care to countless patients and families. Her influence reached far beyond policies or procedures—it was felt in confidence restored, dignity preserved, and lives touched.

We honor Eleanor “Elly” Ghan not only for the places she served, but for the people she lifted, the leaders she shaped, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her light continues to guide all who had the privilege to walk beside her in the noble profession of nursing.

https://vimeo.com/showcase/sjfrpv-curr-special?video=1180000197#t=1h19m26s

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0X4WJDVvujVM0EBvHNFurj?si=nPQgvKiLQ86im00rg6fh9A

Nicole Ludwick was a compassionate Registered Nurse whose life and career reflected the very heart of nursing. From a young age, Nicole knew she was called to this profession. Inspired by her family—especially her aunt, a nurse, and her uncle, a physician—she learned early that nursing and medicine were not simply careers, but acts of compassion, courage, and service to others. The loss of her aunt to cancer further deepened Nicole’s commitment to the healing professions and strengthened her resolve to care for others with presence and love.

Nicole pursued her calling with purpose, completing her nursing education at Loma Linda University, graduating in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time that demanded extraordinary resilience from those entering the profession. She stepped into nursing with quiet courage and unwavering dedication.

Her very first position as a Registered Nurse was in postpartum care at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach—a place that immediately felt like home. There, Nicole supported mothers, newborns, and families during some of life’s most vulnerable and profound moments. She provided education, reassurance, advocacy, and hands-on care at the very beginning of life, understanding that postpartum nursing addressed not only physical needs, but emotional and spiritual ones as well.

At the bedside, Nicole was known for her calm presence, gentle spirit, and genuine ability to help families feel safe, confident, and supported. Nursing was not simply what she did—it was who she was. Even while courageously facing her own battle with a rare and aggressive cancer, Nicole continued to embody the essence of nursing. She lived with humility, resilience, and grace, remaining deeply aware of the importance of presence, connection, and compassion—both as a nurse and as a patient.

Nicole Ludwick lived her calling with strength and purpose. Her legacy endures through the families she supported, the lives she helped begin, and the profession she honored through her devoted and loving service.

We honor the life and service of Nicole Ludwick, RN. Through her hands, her presence, and her heart, Nicole lived the true spirit of nursing. She met families at the beginning of life with compassion and grace, offering calm where there was uncertainty, reassurance where there was fear, and love where it was most needed. Her care extended beyond skills and knowledge—it reached the soul.

Nicole’s light as a nurse did not fade in the face of adversity. Even as she faced her own journey with courage, she continued to teach us what it truly means to serve: to show up with humility, to care deeply, and to remain fully present in each moment.

We release Nicole from her earthly duties with gratitude and respect. Her watch is complete. Her legacy remains—in the lives she helped begin, the families she comforted, and the profession she honored through devoted service. May we carry forward the example she set, remembering that nursing is more than a profession—it is a calling of the heart. May she rest in peace, forever honored, forever remembered.

We remember Nurse Lisa—a nurse whose journey into nursing was guided by love, strength, and a deep desire to care for others. Lisa’s calling to nursing began close to home. While caring for her husband during his courageous battle with cancer, she discovered the profound impact of compassion, presence, and gentle care. From that deeply personal experience, the seed was planted for a life devoted to nursing.

Lisa graduated from LVN school in 2012, carrying with her not only clinical knowledge, but also a heart shaped by resilience and empathy. She began her nursing career in home health, where she quietly made a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families—often during moments that mattered most.

In time, Lisa found her place as a school nurse, a role that suited her perfectly. Traveling from school to school, she became a trusted and steady presence for students who needed comfort, reassurance, or simply someone who cared. And they loved her. To them, she wasn’t just the nurse—she was Nurse Lisa. Her commitment didn’t end with the school day. Lisa was deeply involved in the ACES after-school program, continuing to support and encourage students beyond the classroom. She showed up consistently, listened patiently, and cared deeply—just as nurses do.

Lisa may not be remembered by the number of years she worked, but by the countless moments when her presence mattered. In classrooms, hallways, clinics, and quiet conversations.

Janine possessed a gentle strength and a caring spirit that drew her naturally to the profession of nursing. She graduated from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, in 2013, and went on to dedicate 12 years of her life to nursing—not simply as a career, but as a calling.

In 2021, Janine joined the Acute Rehabilitation Department at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in San Pedro. It did not take long for her leadership, clinical skill, and calm presence to shine. She quickly became a Charge Nurse, earning the trust and respect of both her colleagues and patients alike. Her commitment to excellence was recognized when she was nominated for the Nurse Excellence Award two years in a row—a reflection of the impact she made every single day.

Her colleagues consistently described JG as “the sweetest person ever.” She was always looking for ways to learn, grow, and improve, both professionally and personally. She carried herself with an unfailingly positive attitude, approaching challenges with grace, humility, and determination. Even on the hardest days, her kindness and warmth uplifted those around her.

Her patients felt her compassion in the way she spoke, listened, and cared—fully, attentively, and selflessly. Her coworkers knew her as someone who made every shift better simply by being there, her ever‑ready smile a quiet reassurance in moments of stress.

To her family, JG was nothing short of an angel on earth. She was a beloved daughter to Joel Kuan Sr. and Glace Guido‑Kuan, a devoted sister to Joel Kuan Jr. and Jan Rhys Kuan, and a constant source of joy, laughter, and unconditional love. She gave of herself freely—her time, her care, and her heart—without ever asking for anything in return.

To her friends, she was a steady light: genuine, loyal, and deeply kind. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, valued, and cared for. Many can say their lives are better simply because Janine was part of them.

Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her legacy lives on—in every patient she comforted, every colleague she supported, and every heart she touched. Janine’s life is a testament to compassion in action, service with humility, and love without condition. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and forever remembered.