Encarnacion Cabarrubias "Mama"

Encarnacion Cabarrubias, affectionately known as Mama, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, in Lakewood, California, at the age of 97. Born on April 11, 1928, in Negros, she embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to the United States with her family in 1968. Mama's life was a testament to her unwavering love and devotion to her family, traits that defined her character and endeared her to all who knew her.

A proud graduate of the Southern Island School of Nursing in the Philippines, Mama began her career at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her profession, demonstrating kindness and compassion to everyone around her. Her career culminated in a successful tenure at Martin Luther King Hospital, where her outstanding work and nurturing spirit left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the patients she cared for.

Mama was cherished not only for her professional life but for her remarkable role as a matriarch. She loved nothing more than being with her grandchildren, making it a habit to call them daily. Her grandchildren Ashley Groth, Garrett Gunther, Marshall Macdonald and Dillon Macdonald were the apples of her eye, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments, particularly when they all graduated from college and became professionals in their respective fields. Her great-grandchildren, Gianna Gunther and Jack Thomson, brought her boundless joy, further enriching her life with their laughter and love.  Her ‘ampakingking’ hugs and kisses will be missed by one and all.

Throughout her life, Mama was known for her kindness and welcoming demeanor, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her frugal ways allowed her to provide for her family, demonstrating her strong sense of responsibility and care. Although she often found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as gardening and chatting with friends, she also relished moments of adventure, often enjoying trips to Pechanga with her close-knit circle of friends. 

As we celebrate the life of Mama, we remember her not only for her dedication as a caregiver and a loving grandmother but also for her ability to touch the lives of many. Her kind spirit and commitment to family will leave an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mama is survived by her beloved daughters, Hene Macdonald and Rachel Gunther, along with two wonderful sons-in-law, Jim Macdonald and Bruce Gunther.

She holds a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren, Ashley Groth with (fiancé: (Sandy Thomson), Garrett Gunther with (spouse: Carlee Rasmussen), Marshall Macdonald with (fiancée: Erin Berger) and Dillon Macdonald.  The joy she felt for her great-grandchildren, Gianna Gunther and Jack Thomson, touched her deeply. Her legacy of love will live on through them.

Mama joins her husband Inocentes Cabarrubias; her mother, Asunción Laguitao; her father, Reginald Laguitao; and her brothers Jury Laguitao and Nonoy Laguitao in eternal rest.

A viewing will be held on June 6, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Forest Lawn - Cypress - Cypress Room, followed by a funeral service at the Patriots Chapel from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Father Miguel will be conducting the service and interment. A lunch gathering will be held at the Gunther residence from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Her family invites all who knew and loved her to join in honoring her remarkable life and the profound love she shared with all of us.