Emilia Cabunoc Layugan

With a heavy a heart, we announce the passing of Emilia Cabunoc Layugan (affectionately known as Emy) on November 6, 2024, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 81, after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia.

Born on September 12, 1943, in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Emilia was preceded in death by her parents, Jacinto and Mamerta Cabunoc. She was the beloved sister of Manuel Cabunoc, Constantino Cabunoc, Maria Norma Barcelona, Gregoria Rivera, and Juanita Cabunoc.

As is customary with many Filipino families, she sought to provide a better life for her and her family. In 1966 Emy graduated from Baguio General Hospital School of Nursing. She began her nursing career at Baguio General Hospital in 1967, committing herself to caring for others with compassion and professionalism. She participated in a nursing exchange program and emigrated to the United States in 1970, settling in Passaic, New Jersey, where she worked at Passaic General Hospital. In 1980, she relocated to California and continued her nursing career at Sutter General Hospital, where she remained until her retirement in 2007. Over the course of 40 years, Emilia made a lasting impact on the lives of her patients and colleagues, earning respect and admiration with her kind, empathetic nature, and dedication to healthcare.

Above all, Emilia cherished her family. Her love for them was at the center of everything she did. She was a devoted mother to her daughters, Judith and Jessica, and a proud grandmother to Jelin, Jesse Dean, Jade, Khalil, and Kaleah. She adored her great-grandchildren: Jaylina, Jezra, Jiselle, Jayce, Malaya, Jordan, and Jaxxon (with another great-grandchild, Maxx, on the way). Her family was her greatest pride and joy, treasuring every moment spent with them. She was the foundation of her family, always putting others before herself and making every effort to create a life of opportunity and love for them.

Emilia had a passion for gardening and found joy and peace in cultivating plants. She also enjoyed her occasional visits to the casino, where a free gift always brought her a sense of delight. Through it all, Emilia lived with quiet strength, grace, and a loving, generous heart.

Emilia’s battle with leukemia was one of many challenges she faced with extraordinary courage, and her legacy of love and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

A viewing will be held at East Lawn East Sacramento, 4300 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95819 on November 21, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 pm, rosary will begin at 6:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at Sacred Heart Parish, 1040 39th St Sacramento, CA 95816 on November 22, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at East Lawn Cemetery.