Maria Luisa Cabeje

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Maria Luisa Pascual Cabeje, who was called home by our heavenly Father on July 21, 2025 at the age of 83. Malu, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, resided in Cerritos, California at the time of her passing.

Born on November 7, 1941, in Morong, Rizal, Philippines, Malu was the beloved daughter of Dr. Florencio de Jesus Pascual and Matea Solomon Pascual. She was the "bunso" to her siblings Florante, Manuel, Nenita, and Yolanda and was a cherished sister to all her in-laws. To her many nieces and nephews, she was lovingly known as "Auntie Lulu."

Malu graduated from Morong High School in 1958 and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Paul College of Manila in 1964. Upon receiving her degree, she made her way to the United States, working at Grace Hospital in Philadelphia. She made lifelong friendships during this time, working and traveling to Michigan, Canada, and eventually moving to Southern California in the early 1970s. In 1974, she met the love of her life, Eugene, at a New Year’s Eve party, leading to a whirlwind courtship and they were married at St. Pius V in Buena Park, California on August 16, 1975.

Malu is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 50 years, Eugene, daughters Lissa and Jenny, and granddaughters Lauryn and Jolie. Malu and Eugene’s 50 years of marriage were filled with dancing, singing to one another, matching outfits, and sharing endless laughs at the kitchen table. They built a beautiful life with their close-knit family in Cerritos, California. Malu worked as an OBGYN nurse at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower for 26 years and retired in 2004 after the birth of her youngest granddaughter. Here at Kaiser, her beloved nickname “Pooh Bear” was given to Malu by coworkers, a name that illuminated her kindness and her famous smile. Her healing compassion extended beyond the realm of nursing – Malu was a loyal friend, a world traveler, and a dedicated Lola to her two granddaughters. She was their biggest cheerleader and best teacher. She loved reading to them, doing crossword puzzles, going to all their sports activities, and chauffeuring them when asked. Malu’s most important lessons were to always stay close to God, family, education, and most especially, to lead with a curious heart.

We honor the love, laughter, and joy she shared with all who knew her. She will be remembered always for her kindness, her enduring faith, and her boundless love. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, and she will forever hold a special place in our hearts. In our moment of grief, we take comfort in knowing that her legacy will live on through the many hearts fortunate to know her.

Services:

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 from 4:00 - 9:00 pm at Forest Lawn Cypress - Cypress Room, located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, California 90630.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, located at 5201 Evergreen Avenue, Cypress California 90630, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.