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Jerie Mae Ibale had an infectious smile and a laugh that brought joy to those around her. She approached life with warmth, energy, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit, qualities that were reflected both in the way she cared for others and in the way she lived her own life.

Mae was a proud graduate of California State University, Long Beach, where she pursued her calling to nursing. She began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse in 2013, working on a medical-surgical unit at Beverly Presbyterian Hospital. In 2015, Mae began a new chapter of service at VA Long Beach, continuing her commitment to caring for others. As her nursing journey evolved, so did her desire to expand her knowledge and the care she could provide. In 2020, Mae achieved another important milestone, becoming an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. Her professional journey eventually came full circle when she returned to her alma mater as a clinical instructor. In this role, she shared her experience and provided guidance to future nurses, leaving a legacy that would continue through the students she taught and encouraged.

But nursing was only one part of Mae's extraordinary life. Mae had an adventurous spirit and an undeniable love for the outdoors. She loved surfing, even making it part of her everyday life. She traveled, snowboarded, hiked, skateboarded, rollerbladed, practiced Krav Maga, played the ukulele and guitar, sang, baked, and enjoyed attending Coachella, where dressing up was part of the fun. Mae embraced life wholeheartedly and wasn't afraid to try something new.

And then there was Biggie, her beloved dog. Their bond was more than companionship. It was an unbreakable relationship filled with love and devotion. Mae also knew how to appreciate life's simple pleasures. One of those was ginataan (gin-na-ta-an) from Kainan sa Kanto a favorite she simply couldn't say no to.

Mae was so much more than a nurse. She was a caregiver, nurse practitioner, educator, mentor, adventurer, surfer, musician, traveler, and devoted dog mom. She gave her knowledge to her students, her compassion to those entrusted to her care, and her unmistakable joy and laughter to the people fortunate enough to know her.

Mae cared.

Mae taught.

Mae explored.

Mae laughed.

And Mae truly lived.

We honor not only the nurse Mae became, but the extraordinary woman behind the title and the beautiful life she created along the way. Her nursing journey may have ended, but the lives she touched, the nurses she helped guide, the memories she created, and the joy she shared will continue to carry her legacy forward.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/jerie-mae-ibales-funeral-and-memorial