Natividad “Mommy Naty” Abaya passed peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by the love of her family and the prayers she carried faithfully her entire life.

Born on Christmas Day in the Philippines, Mommy was a gift from the start. The eldest of 10 siblings, she looked after her family from a young age and continued to support her siblings in the Philippines well into her later years.

She attended St. Scholastica’s College for high school and earned her BA in Education from the University of Santo Tomas. She became a school teacher, managed a radio station, and after immigrating to the U.S., found joy in data entry and working retail at TJ Maxx after retirement. She simply loved to work.

She is survived by her husband, William “Bill” Abaya; her five children—Randolph, Desiree, Rowena, Yvonne, and Nadja; her 12 grandchildren—Katrina, Danielle, Jamie, Nicolo, Mikhail, Nicole, Isabel, Samantha, Angelique, Kyle, Natalie, and Aidan; and four great-grandchildren—Raye, Trey, Irie, and Rome.

Mommy’s home was sacred ground. Diamond art shimmered on the walls. The Last Supper watched over the living room. Elephants marched in silent prayer. Succulents lined the patio, Coke cans waited in the fridge, and love was tucked into every corner.

She was a lover of shopping, going out to eat, and watching movies. In her final days, family gathered around her like planets orbiting the sun.

Her life was a beautiful miracle. Her faith, a lighthouse. Her love, a garden that keeps blooming.