Leticia Gabagat Yapana

Leticia Gabagat Yapana was born in Manila, Philippines on October 23, 1947 to the couple Serafin Gabagat, Sr. and Venicia Mariano Bonifacio. She was the second of eight children, two of whom died at their young age. She grew up with her six siblings: Elisa, Estela, Serafin, Jr., Ruben and Venancio - the youngest who just passed away recently in March 2015. She is survived by her husband, Nelson Yapana, her three children: Lenelle, Adriel Edward and Leah Angela, and her grandchildren: Ashley, Adriel, Jr., Adison and Dayla.

Letty, as she was fondly called, graduated from E. Rodriguez Jr. High School, Class of 1963 and studied at the University of the East in Manila where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. Since her father died when she was 17 year old, Letty had to work and finish her studies to help her family. She worked as a visa agent at Pan Asiatic Travel Corp., where she met her future husband, Nelson, who was also a visa agent at another agency. Nelson and Letty married in June 1973 when she was 24 years. They migrated to the USA with their two children several years later in 1978. Their youngest child was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1981.

Letty worked at the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power where she held different positions until she retired after 31 years in 2012. Her co-workers admired her helping hand and friendliness. They showed their appreciation through their gifts and kind words at her retirement party. She was truly touched by this gesture.

Letty also worked part time as a travel agent for many years. Her personalized service gained her a good number of regular clients. She loved to plan trips for others and for herself and her family. In recent years, Letty enjoyed going on cruises and traveled to many parts of the world, including Alaska, Central America and throughout Europe.

Her service to the Lord was very important to Letty in her personal life. She volunteered at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in various roles and activities for over 30 years and was active with the Marriage Spirituality Foundation. Letty was also a devotee to Our Lady of Lourdes and took charge of celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes every year in February for the parish. She fulfilled her wish of taking a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France in May 2015 - her last trip.

Letty's faith and love of God was reflected in her grace and kindness. She was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She handled the past year battling cancer in quiet courage and much prayer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family on the morning of July 19, 2015.

Letty was a pillar of strength to the "Barangay Gabagat" and to her many friends. Her legacy will never be forgotten. She showed and taught everyone around her how to LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE.