Micaela Garcia Pichay

Micaela Garcia Pichay died August 23, 2024 at the age of 91 years in her home in Gainesville, FL. Micaela, or Mila as she was known to her friends, was born in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to Eufemio and Alejandra. She trained as a midwife. She later agreed to move with her brother Frank, recently widowed and on active duty with the U.S. Army, to help care for his three children. Micaela accompanied the family to Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky and finally to Santa Clara, California. There she earned a nursing degree from West Valley College and became a licensed vocational nurse. She worked at the nursing home just down the street from the house where the family lived and later worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, California. Micaela moved to Florida in 1981 and transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Gainesville, Florida until she “retired.” She continued to work as a licensed practical nurse at Oak Hammock, Rescare and Alachua General Hospital. Micaela was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Frank, John and Chris. She is survived by her brother Bert. She remained unmarried and had no children of her own, although she did care for two nephews for a few years while she lived in Gainesville. Micaela was a devout Catholic, attending mass every week. She was a fiercely independent and private individual. 

Memorial services will be held in Baguio, Philippines. Condolences can be sent to her church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, 500 NE 16th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. Her family is grateful to her good friends in Gainesville who treated her as part of their families.

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