Maria De Gracia Nancy Delicona Marapao (Jaojoco) was born on April 6, 1953 in Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. She completed her elementary years in Calape, Bohol, then graduated high school from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Mati, Davao Oriental. She obtained her Nursing education at Immaculate Conception College in Davao City and Cebu City School of Nursing (now Cebu City Medical Center) in 1974, then subsequently obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southwestern University in 1975. As a new graduate, she discovered her passion in teaching and mentoring others to be examples of compassionate nursing, while employed at Cebu City School of Nursing and Perpetual Hospital. Also as a new graduate, she met her first husband, Danny, and welcomed the love of her life, Michelle, in August 1975. Nancy made the mother’s ultimate sacrifice to be separated from her only child when she migrated to Virginia (USA) in 1978. After establishing a firm and stable foundation in California, Nancy and Michelle were finally reunited in 1983. Also after moving to California, Nancy met the other love of her life, Nonie, in 1982, and built a blessed life together in the last 44 years.

Nancy was a Registered Nurse by trade but had the intelligence and wit of a leader and an entrepreneur. She obtained her Master of Science in Health Sciences from Chapman University in 1982 and completed the Executive Management Program in Health Science from Cal State University Long Beach in 1984. Between 1982-2002, Nancy held top leadership positions as Clinical/Nursing Supervisor, Director of several hospital departments, Vice President, and the coveted position of Chief Nursing Officer. But Nancy was driven to be more, so she pushed through the struggles and challenges of entrepreneurship, and eventually found her successful niche as an educator and as a consultant for hundreds of healthcare agencies. In 20+ years, she was fully committed and dedicated to every client to ensure their success, even while confined to a hospital bed.

Nancy was diagnosed with leukemia in November 2025 and fought like a champion through several rounds of treatment and its debilitating complications. Despite her fighting spirit, her body was no longer able to withstand the cruelty of cancer. Surrounded by the love of family near and far, Nancy’s spirit left this earth and entered the gates of Heaven on February 17, 2026.

Throughout her personal and professional life, Nancy remained consistent in her character traits and life lessons that left a positive impact on anyone that crossed her path. She led by example, through patience, encouragement, and nurturing words, while stern and expectant to reach her very high standards. Nancy mentored, pushed, and sometimes scolded because she always believed everyone had the potential to be the best version of themselves. Most of all, Nancy always demonstrated love with no bounds, treated everyone with kindness, respect, and forgiveness-a true reflection of God’s unconditional love. Nancy loved Jesus, remained steadfast in her faith, made it her mission in life to share and have others experience His everlasting love, all the way until she was called home by Our Savior. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” -Matthew 25:23

Nancy is survived by her husband Nonie; her “unica hija” Michelle (and Rod), grandchildren Mikaela, Mayah, and Maleina, step grandchildren Shanelle, RJ, and Dominic; brothers Manoy Elmer (and Ate Arlene), Abe (and Mai), and sister Ling (and Sammy); step children Dennis, Jeg (and Rudy), Justin (and Josephine); step grandchildren Troy, Ciaden, Marc, Aaron, and Angel; maternal uncles Tio Doming and Tio Jun; and countless nieces and nephews around the world. Nancy is preceded by her father Abundio Marapao Sr (1983), mother Inocenta Delicona Marapao (2001), brothers Alan Marapao (2007) and Clyde Marapao Sr (2014), and nephew Patrick Marapao (2026). May they be dancing and singing together in the Heavens, until we can all meet again.