Mercedita Ramos Nipay's Obituary
Mercedita Ramos Nipay peacefully entered eternal life on September 20, 2024 at her home of 53 years in Berkeley, CA lovingly surrounded by her family.
Mercy, as she was fondly called, was born in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on September 13, 1938, to Serafin and Casimira Ramos. Mercy graduated valedictorian of both her elementary and high school and received her bachelor’s in nursing from the University of Santo Tomas. She received further training in the United States as part of the visitor’s exchange program. Upon returning from the United States, Mercy married the love of her life, Attorney Wenceslao Garica Nipay, to whom she was married for 59 years, and together immigrated to the United States in 1971. Together they raised and passed on their passion for service to others to their children and grandchildren.
Mercy lived a life of faith, purpose, devotion and grace. A retired nurse, nurse instructor, and co-founder of St. Jude’s School of Nursing, Mercy was a proud nurse who dedicated her life to the service of others. Her passion for nursing, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, left an enduring legacy in healthcare and education. Mercy started her nursing career in the United States with Herrick Memorial Hospital and worked as a Public Health Nurse with Alameda County Public Health for 30 years. A true matriarch, she nurtured her family and the countless lives she touched with her wisdom, compassion, courage and unyielding strength. Her role as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend brought her the most fulfillment.
Mercy was active in her community, church, and past member of the Cabugao Sons and Daughters of California, Jaycees International, Lion’s Club in Union City and founding member of the Fruitvale Lion’s Club. Her presence was a source of inspiration, marked by her warmth, her love for cooking, baking, ikebana, travel, and her delight in exploring new restaurants with loved ones. She found joy in dance and music, especially in the songs of Neil Sedaka, Paul Anka, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Jose Mari Chan, which filled her life with harmony.
A woman of unshakeable faith, Mercedita believed in hope and the power of miracles, carrying her strong convictions with grace until her final moments. Her boundless love, devotion and unwavering belief in good left an indelible imprint on all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Attorney Wenceslao Garcia Nipay, and their cherished son, Wennie Jude Ramos Nipay, parents and siblings, Mercy is survived by her daughters, Judy Gee (Alvin) and Judita Weisenberg (Michael), and daughter-in-law Tammie Nipay. She was the adored grandmother of Chiara Higa Bellisario (Alexus), Massimo Bellisario (Katherine), Michael Weisenberg, Matthew Weisenberg, Alexandra Weisenberg, Lauryn Estacio, Ari Estacio and David Weisenberg, and a proud great grandmother to Anthony and Maia Higa Bellisario. Mercy is also survived by her brother Ramsey Ramos, sisters, Ester Diano (Ed), Macy Buenviaje, and Emma Lapuz, treasured nieces, nephews and many loving family members and friends.
Her family expresses their deepest gratitude to the clinicians and staff of Kaiser Permanente Oakland, whose exemplary care and respect throughout her life brought Mercy comfort and peace.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mercy’s life. Viewing will be on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4-8 pm at Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA 94611. Requiem mass will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1640 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94703. Reception to follow.
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