Susanna “Susan” Palis Vicencio-Garaygay
Susanna “Susan” Palis Vicencio-Garaygay departed her home in Clear Lake, Houston,
TX for the heavens on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at age 73. Her zest for life, bright
sense of humor, compassion, and kindness will be sorely missed.
She was born November 27, 1947 in Quezon City, Philippines to Ceferino and Avelina
B Palis, and knew from a young age she wanted to serve humanity as a doctor or
nurse. She went on to receive her Associates degree in Nursing at Philippines General
Hospital, BSN degree at the University of the Philippines Manila, and MSN degree at
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She was the founding
President of the University of the Philippines Nursing Alumni Association International,
Inc. Texas Chapter.
Susan married Jan Peter “Butch” Vicencio-Garaygay on June 2, 1972 in Manila,
Philippines and relocated to Baltimore, MD for 5 years, and then on to Houston, TX for
the remainder of her earthly life. Besides serving her communities as an operating
nurse, nurse educator, and home health care surveyor, she was also very active in her
local churches and as a YMCA Zumba Gold instructor. She was a true Renaissance
woman, Jill of all trades, as a healthcare professional, musician, seamstress, artist,
interior decorator, gardener, and tai chi practitioner. She was also a natural nurturer as
a mother, grandmother, animal lover, and chef. Her love of traveling, nature, reading,
and learning shaped her progressive view of the world.
Susan is survived by her spouse Jan in Houston, TX, daughter Iris Vicencio-Rasku,
son-in-law Jason Rasku, and granddaughter Ivy Rasku in Ashfield, MA, daughter Liza
Vicencio-Garaygay in Los Angeles, CA, sister Azucena Norwood in Manila, Philippines,
and sister Norma Urcia in Houston, TX. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews,
in-laws, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents and siblings Sergio’s twin,
Sergio, Ella, Laura, and Leon.
A memorial service hosted by her nursing school friends will be conducted over Zoom,
code 338 440 2512 on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 12 pm PT/2 pm CT/3 pm ET.
There will also be an additional Zoom prayer and memorial mass after the prayer
conducted live at St. Luke Catholic Church Chapel in Temple City, CA on Sunday,
August 29, 2021, 5 pm PT/7 pm CT/8 pm ET, hyperlink https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
84778041867?pwd=WkxBNHFoZ0QrSGlQeTNlUjRKYXF0dz09. In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation to Doctors Without Borders or Sierra Club in her memory
as it was always her mission to help those in need and protect the environment. A
digital online Smilebox memory book will also be available to post memories and
photos. Please contact lizavg@gmail.com for further information
Liza and family,
A beautiful tribute. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in the memories she has given you and the love she had for life and her family. She sounds like she was truly a remarkable woman and friend.
My deepest condolences to you and your family. It was a honor and pleasure to be able to take care of your mom. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you and stay strong.
Jan and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Susan’s wonderful light will be sorely missed in this world. Liza, you captured your mother’s very essence in your beautiful tribute. May the Lord comfort you and give you the strength to face each new day without her presence.
I had the pleasure of knowing your wonderful mother for many years. We first met through music when she sang and played the guitar at church while I was at the piano. We saw each other during school events at Armand Bayou Elementary School and in recent years I would see her as a neighbor when I walked past her home. She always had a greeting and such a beautiful smile! Of course I haven’t seen her recently but had no idea that she had health issues. My heartfelt condolences are with all of your family as you grieve the loss of your wife, mother, and grandmother.
May she rest in the peace ofChrist.
My heartfelt condolences to Butch and the rest of Susan’s family. I came to know Susan when I became a member of the UPNAAI Texas chapter. I too admired her bright and cheerful persona. Her positive and energetic spirit was contagious. I know that for those who truly knew her, she was much more than these. I pray for God’s peace that surpasses understanding to fill your hearts and the joy of His strength to sustain you daily in the coming days and weeks. May the beautiful memories you share with Susan give a smile to your hearts. And may her soul rest in peace in Christ forever.
sorry to hear that Aunty Susan passed away, my deepest condolences to uncle butch and family… Rest in Peace Aunty Susan. We will miss you.
From: Emily, Emil, Emmilaine and great grand kids Kikoy, Vlad, Rience, Layne and Margoux.