Trinidad Ilaya Gatdula June 12, 1938 – April 26, 2026

Mrs. Trinidad "Nanay Trining" Ilaya Gatdula, 87, a longtime resident of Tacoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, at her daughter's home in Tacoma after a long illness.

Born on June 12, 1938, in Tunga, Leyte, Philippines, she was the second of five children—three boys and two girls. Her family were farmers who cultivated coconuts, rice, and vegetables, and she attended the local village school.

Her childhood was shaped by the Japanese invasion of Leyte in 1942. As a young girl, she was often hidden in the rice paddies by her family whenever Japanese patrols passed through the area.

In her teenage years, she moved to Manila with her sister to work as a nanny. It was there that she met Cresenciano Gatdula, whom she married on January 28, 1962. The couple settled in the San Juan District of Manila, where she kept house, raised pigs for market, sewed for extra income, and lovingly raised their two daughters, Maria Celia (Cel) and Maria Antonia (Anne).

In 1984, she and Anne emigrated to Tacoma, joining her husband and Cel, who had arrived the year before. She worked for ten years in housekeeping at the Sheraton Hotel, where she received numerous commendations for her dedication and work ethic.

Beginning in 2004, she lived with her daughters, dividing her time between Anne in Seattle and Cel in Tacoma.

Nanay Trining was known for her warmth, generosity, and the traditional Filipino treats she lovingly prepared—especially ube halaya and kalamay pinipig, which she made each Christmas for family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Anne and Cel, as well as Cel's husband, Richard.

Tuesday Rosary Vigil will be at 6:00 PM at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Road, University Place.

Wednesday (May 6) Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM at St Patrick Catholic Church, 1123 N J St. Tacoma.  Interment to follow at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Road, University Place, reception to follow.

**In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Asian Counselling and Referral Service (ACRS) https://acrs.org in memory of Trinidad Gatdula