Felicidad Braza

Felicidad Patacsil Braza, affectionately known as "Happy" or "Fely," passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, in San Diego, California, at the age of 84. Born on February 14, 1941, in Bauang, La Union, Philippines, Felicidad lived a life defined by faith, love, resilience, and joy.

A proud graduate of De Ocampo Memorial College—formerly The De Ocampo School of Nursing in Manila—Felicidad was among a distinguished group of Filipino professionals selected in 1965 to begin anew in the United States. This prestigious program brought together doctors, nurses, scientists, and engineers who embarked on a journey that began with a stopover in vibrant Hong Kong and culminated in Philadelphia—the City of Brotherly Love. There, Felicidad began her American chapter at Hahnemann University Hospital in Center City, Philadelphia.

Throughout her life, Felicidad remained deeply committed to her Catholic faith. She found great solace and strength in prayer and was a devoted viewer of EWTN. Her love for God radiated through her daily rosaries and her encouragement to others to find peace in quiet moments with the Blessed Sacrament. She cherished every opportunity to virtually attend Masses all over the world, especially the Vatican at least 21 hours a day.

Happy’s home was always filled with music and laughter. A gifted singer with a natural flair for performance, she once entered singing contests armed only with her ukulele—and often took home first prize. Her brother Gerardo recently shared that this talent was one of her best-kept secrets. Music remained a central part of her life: she loved dancing into the living room to whatever melody filled the air and never missed an opportunity to sing along to her favorite artists—Al Martino, Elvis Presley, and The Righteous Brothers. Her go-to karaoke songs included “My Way” by Frank Sinatra and Al Martino's “I Love You More and More Every Day.” Her favorite request at any public piano was always “Unchained Melody" as it was one of Luie's favorite songs.

Felicidad’s talents extended far beyond music. She was a masterful cook who could create delicious meals from just a few ingredients—a skill she practiced with humility and joy. Her lush garden was another expression of her nurturing spirit; she found peace among her plants and beauty in every bloom.

She had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people. Whether friend or stranger, Happy would greet everyone with a warm smile and ask their name—committing it to memory so she could pray for them later. She prayed almost every waking hour for the happiness and well-being of others. Her prayers were as fervent as her cheers for her favorite sports teams—always loud, passionate, and full of heart. She especially loved rooting for the underdog.

Happy’s memory lives on through those who loved her dearly: her three daughters Elaine Braza, Melissa Stiles, and Olivia Braza; her son David Braza; her son-in-law Doug Stiles; her beloved granddaughter, Veronica; and her brother and best friend, Gerardo Patacsil along with his wife Maria and their children Yoi and Michie.

She now joins in eternal rest her beloved husband of 50 years, Iluminado Olegario Braza, her parents Lazaro and Enrica Laigo Patacsil; sisters Teresita Patacsil-Apigo, Leticia Patacsil-Calub, Aurea Patacsil; and brother Antonio Patacsil.

Felicidad was more than a mother or sister—she was a storyteller with a steel-trap memory that amazed even her caregivers late into life. At 84 years young, she remained mentally sharp and spiritually vibrant. She brought light into every room she entered and left lasting impressions on all who crossed her path.

A devout Catholic, loving mother, devoted wife, faithful friend, spirited singer, joyful gardener, passionate sports fan—and above all—a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love: Felicidad Patacsil Braza will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

As she often said in parting:
“Sing your way home
At the end of the day
Sing your way home
Drive the shadows away
Smile every mile
And wherever you roam
It will lighten your load
It will brighten your road
If you sing your way home.”

May Happy’s (and Grandpa Lazaro's) song continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Viewing will be held on December 8, 2025, from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Community Mortuary 855 Broadway, San Diego, CA 91911.

*Please wear pink, white and black. Happy said she preferred (when asked in her hospital bed) everyone to wear pink - her favorite color! We understand that not everyone owns this color and might prefer to wear black out of respect and tradition. Please do!!!

A Prayer Service will be held on December 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at Community Mortuary, 855 Broadway. We will be transporting Happy to her final resting place at approximately 1 pm,. We will need to arrive 30 minutes in advance for the committal service at Miramar National Cemetery.

*Happy recommends you take the I-5 Freeway up to Nobel Dr as the I-805 gets crowded pretty quickly. Traffic in San Diego now starts at 2pmish, similar to LA/Orange County.

A Committal Service will be held on December 8, 2025, from 02:15 PM to 02:45 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive. There will be a 20-30 minute committal service at the neighboring committal shell to Happy's final resting place with her husband, Luie. This is informal. As Happy loved karaoke, singing, and music, we encourage anyone to sing a song for Happy or share anything you would like to in this time of memorial and remembrance. We thank you in advance!. A Memorial Gathering will be held on December 8, 2025, from 03:30 PM to 05:30 PM at Little Italy Ristorante, 349 Broadway, San Diego, CA 91910. Please RSVP to Olivia at 619-800-2161 (texts preferred), or Instagram and FB Messenger work as well.

Travel safely! We hope you and your loved ones are happy and healthy!