Loida McNamara

Obituary of Loida Dimatulac McNamara

Loida Dimatulac McNamara August 6, 1957-May 6, 2011 Resident of Aptos, CA Peacefully passed away at home in the presence of her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born and raised in Tarlac, Philippines, daughter of Edilberto and Brigida Dimatulac. At the age of 20 years, she graduated with her BSN from University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, in Manila, Philippines and soon moved to Las Cruces NM to continue her nursing career. Her first marriage to Mr. Paul Hukins of Hobbs NM produced two wonderful daughters, but sadly ended with his death in 1990. With her 2nd husband of 19 years, she had two more beautiful daughters. Loida was multi-talented and constantly looking to add new life skills beyond Nursing and Motherhood; completing training as a travel agent and then earning an associate degree in culinary arts. In 2001, she won a gold medal in a national competition and with it a full scholarship to a prestigious culinary college on the East Coast, which she reluctantly declined for the sake of her family. After 20 years in New Mexico, she moved to Aptos and most recently had been working in the GI Department at Dominican Hospital. She loved to travel, cook, and spend time with her friends and family. In her nursing career, she similarly continued to pursue new skills and experiences. Her expertise included ICU, Radiology, PAC, and most recently, Gastroenterology Nursing. In every setting she provided genuinely compassionate care at the highest standards. Her children have described her with words such as " beautiful, energetic, talented, loving, strong, intelligent, brave", and none who knew her would disagree. She is survived by her husband Ned McNamara, MD; daughter Leilah Earwood and husband Anthony Earwood of Las Cruces NM; daughter Kristin McNamara of Oakland CA; daughters Bridget and Hannah McNamara of Aptos; siblings Manuel Dimatulac of Tarlac, Philippines, Lolita Dimatulac of Rome, Italy, Jose Dimatulac of Tarlac, Philippines, Zosima Rigor of Tarlac Philippines, Cristina Dimatulac of Los Angeles, California, and Romeo Dimatulac of Vancouver, Canada and many nieces and nephews and other relatives. SERVICES: Rosary- Friday May 13 (7 pm) and Mass to celebrate her life on Saturday May 14 (9:00 am); both services at St Joseph Catholic Church in Capitola, with a reception to follow the Mass. Donations in her memory can be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or the Dominican Hospital Foundation. A huge debt of gratitude is owed to the Stanford Cancer Center, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, and the many family and friends who were incredibly generous and supportive during her illness.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Loida McNamara, please visit Tribute Store
A Memorial Tree was planted for Loida
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel
Share Your Memory of
Loida