Obituaries
Rita Sandagon Sepagan
Died: Dec 3, 2020
Rita Sandagon Sepagan was born August 19th, 1946 in the Philippines to Marcos Sandagon and Taciana Heguerra Sandagon, and raised in Libmanan Camarines Sur. She earned her diploma at The Family Clinic School of Midwifery on May 16th, 1964 and took up her career as midwife in Manila, Philippines where she met and married the love of her life, Felix T. Sepagan Jr., on Dec. 11th, 1971. Thereafter their first and only child Ahlan Sepagan was born Jan 30th, 1975.
She later immigrated into the Unites States in 1985, with her son and husband. Shortly after their arrival she became a widow losing her husband on Sept. 10th, 1986.
Rita thrived on educating herself in the health care industry. Initially, she worked in Cape May Hospital in New Jersey for some time and later transitioning to Flower Hospital in New York City as a nurse’s aide where she then pursued a career as a dialysis technician. Some years later, she earned her certificate as a dialysis technician in 1989 and maintained her career at Terrance Cardinal Cooke Healthcare Center in Manhattan, NY for over 25 years where she worked and retired.
Although, her heart ached at the loss of her husband she always found a way to smile. She often quoted her favorite song “Smile” by Nat King Cole. She lived her life vibrantly, bringing life and joy to others through witty conversation and elaborate stories of her youth. Along with her intriguing stylistic glamor, she was the “life of the party.” A true Rose. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and would pray often. She also loved to cook as well as to gather with family and friends. Rita took extreme pride in her son whom she loved dearly along with his extended family. She adored the family pet Nika.
She is survived by her son Ahlan Sepagan, daughter-in-law Rashida, granddaughter Yazmina and great-grandson Nathaniel.
She is also survived by her sisters and brothers: Elisa Heguerra, Marcos Sandagon Jr., Gloria Barrameda, Lina Ruiz, Jose Sandagon; and her nieces and nephews: Joy Mead, Merlie Sandagon, Michelle Sandagon-Currier, Mark Sandagon, Julius Gargarin, Jonjon Ruiz, Joanna Ruiz, Queng Ruiz, Janina Ruiz, Jo Carlo Ruiz, Joseph Sandagon; and her best friend, Carmelita Cuevas and her dear neighbors, Bobby and Cherry Mariflores, along with many other relatives and friends that mourn her passing.
Arrangements are private.
