Fideles Millan Liberato-Wood, known lovingly to family and friends as Fides, Fe, or Fey, passed away on July 24, 2026, at the age of 86, in Woodland Hills, California, due to heart complications following surgery. A woman of extraordinary resilience, boundless spirit, and infectious joy, she leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

     Fideles was born on May 15, 1940, in the Philippines to her loving parents, Ponciano Millan and Theodora Esther Perez Millan. She was the fourth child and eldest daughter among eight siblings. Inspired by both of her parents, who were educators, she followed in their footsteps and pursued a career in education, later adding beautician to her professional accomplishments. 

     In her early twenties, Fideles endured a life-altering vehicular accident when a jeepney pinned her to a telephone pole, causing an iron stepping rung to pierce through her right leg. She lost her leg in the accident and was pronounced dead at the hospital, only to miraculously return to life. After years of physical therapy, rehabilitation, and learning to navigate the world on a single crutch, she emerged with a determination that would define the rest of her remarkable life. People often wondered how a one-legged woman on a crutch could outrun others, but those who knew Fides understood that her fierce will and spirited nature made the impossible look effortless. 

     Following her recovery, she met and married Jose V. Liberato. At the age of 28, she gave birth to their eldest son, Jose Antonio, and nine years later welcomed their youngest son, Poncileo. In the early 1980s, driven by the desire to build a better life, Fideles made the courageous decision to migrate to the United States. During difficult times when her visa expired, family and friends rallied around her. It was during this period that she met her second husband, Clinton Tyler Wood III. Together, they built a new chapter; with his support, she obtained her beautician certification and, most importantly, petitioned to bring her two sons to the United States. The family was joyfully reunited in 1987. 

     In the early 1990s, Fideles embarked on yet another reinvention. She began working as a ticket booth attendant at Kaiser Permanente's Headquarters at Walnut Center in Pasadena, California. From that humble starting position, she worked tirelessly, learning every aspect of the operation, and rose through the ranks to become chief clerk of the engineering department before retiring after twenty dedicated years. 

     Beyond her professional life, Fideles was a woman who filled every room with warmth and laughter. She was a gifted pianist and vocalist who impressed friends and strangers alike with her melodious voice. Singing karaoke was among her greatest pleasures, and she delighted in spirited games of Mahjong with friends and family. She loved a good party and could always be counted on entertaining everyone. 

     A devout Catholic and faithful parishioner at St. Mel Parish in Woodland Hills, California, Fideles drew strength from her faith throughout her life. She maintained daily prayer meetings with her two sisters, Villa and Nanette, a practice that sustained and connected them across the years. 

     Fideles is survived by her two sons, Jose Antonio Millan Liberato and Poncileo Millan Liberato; her brothers, Jeremias Perez Millan and Ponciano Perez Millan Jr.; and her sisters, Villarosa Millan Serrano and Nannette Millan Macasinag, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. 

     The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 7, at 12:00 noon at the Church on the Hill in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, California. The church doors will be open at 11:15am; pre-mass prayers at 11:30am followed by the mass at 12 noon. The Mass will be officiated by Father Steve Davoren of St. Mel Parish (Woodland Hills). 

     In the words of Ellen Brenneman, "Don't think of her as gone away, her journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know today how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and she was loved so much." 

     Our mother, Fideles Millan Liberato-Wood, lived a life full of hardships balanced with friendship and family love and support. We will always remember her as a vibrant, funny, ever joyful, ever giving, ever singing mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Whenever you feel the world is against you, just shout out her favorite saying, "Sit-bweh!", dust yourself off, and keep moving forward, much like she did throughout her extraordinary lifetime. She will forever be missed.