Luisa Abeja Dalmacio

LUISA ABEJA DALMACIO, Ph.D. was born to the late Gavina Valena and Gregorio Abeja, Sr. of Quezon province, Philippines on October 9, 1933. She died on February 20, 2018 at the age of 84. She passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her loved ones.

Luisa is survived by her doting husband of 54 years, Atty. Al Dalmacio. She will be lovingly remembered by: her four children, Pia, Lia, Liza and Noel; children-in-law, Donald Jones, Michael Meyer, Reynaldo Perez and Sheryl Nguyen; grandchildren, Christian, Christopher, Calvin, Cinque, Dylan, David, William and Chloe. "Isay," as she was fondly called, will be missed by: her brother, Gregorio Abeja, Jr.; brother-in-law, Victor Dalmacio; sisters-in–law, Linda Dalmacio, Etta Dalmacio and Nila Abeja; and adoring nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Luisa received her Bachelor's of Law Degree (LL.B) from the Far Eastern University of the Philippines. She earned both her master's and doctorate degrees from the University of the Philippines for which the latter, she was awarded a medal for academic excellence. Luisa was a Captain, a commissioned officer of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). The academy held a special place in her life, both personally and professionally. She made and formed life-long friendships at PMMA. "Captain Dalmacio" held many positions such as administrative officer, board secretary, vice president—and eventually—the highest position, officer-in-charge of PMMA. To top it all off, she also became a college professor. She capped her career as an Educator and Dean of Graduate School at the PMMA.

Luisa did not only have the smarts, she also had the guts to compete in positions occupied predominantly by men during her academic life and professional career. Even as a college student, she was one of the few females in her law class. Luisa was always composed, serene, and calm under pressure with a matching great sense of humor. She also did not take fashion cue from anyone, she got her own chic style. She was fearless, adventurous, go-getter and very spirited. Most especially, she possessed a true gift—kindness and humility. Luisa juggled many roles successfully, but above all she was a faithful and strong WOMAN of GOD.

WE ARE TRULY BLESSED TO CALL HER OUR MOTHER.