Emma de la Cruz

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and community member

Emma (Meriam) Jalbuna de la Cruz, 90, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and loved ones, on Friday, June 6, 2025.

Emma was born on July 23, 1934, in Iloilo City, Philippines, to Emilia Jamutillo and Carlos Jalbuna. She was the eldest of six children. She grew up attending Jaro Evangelical Church and was a proud graduate of Central Philippine University (CPU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Soon after graduation, she began her career working in the CPU Library, eventually becoming head of the CPU High School Library. It was there that she met her husband, Roque G. de la Cruz, a fellow CPU instructor at the time. They married in 1957 and welcomed three sons: Daryl, Danny, and Roem.

In 1968, Emma moved to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science at the University of Washington, supported by a scholarship from the Asia Foundation. In 1973, Roque and their three sons immigrated to Washington State to join Emma. They soon made a home in Bellingham, WA, where Emma continued her career as a librarian. After 22 years of service at the Bellingham Public Library, she retired in 2002.

Even in retirement, Emma continued to share her time and expertise through biennial trips to the Philippines to assist at the CPU Library and through weekly volunteer work at Bellingham First Baptist Church. She was an active member of Esther Circle and the Filipino-American Christian Fellowship in Bellingham. In her free time, Emma enjoyed tending to her beloved garden, corresponding with loved ones by mail, and reading about Taylor Swift.

Emma was a faithful follower and servant of the Lord. She lived a long and meaningful life, devoted to her family, church, and community.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roque; her sister, Thelma; and her brother, Cesar. She is lovingly remembered by her three sons and their spouses: Daryl, Danny Keith (Inola), and Roem Emil Carl (Jackie); her grandchildren and grandson-in-law: Elle Marie, Katarina Joy (Christopher), Jessica Grace, Benjamin Nicolas, and Julia Claire; her brothers: Rodolfo, James, and Carlos Jr.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

“So, we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in them.” 1 John 4:16.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, 6/21, at First Baptist Church in Bellingham (110 Flora St.). You can watch the service via livestream here.