Novalita Sampan Mandac
November 11, 1966 - May 31, 2024
Obituary
Novalita, but only ever known as NOVA to EVERYONE, was born on November 11, 1966. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 15 and shortly began working in the hotel services industry to help our mom and dad support our newly immigrated family; beginning her role as “honorary mom”. She would eventually pick up another job at McDonald’s where she bussed from Beacon Hill to Downtown to work her shifts while still in high school, and quickly developed lifelong friendships with the crew, many of whom still consider her their best friend to this day. After graduating from high school in 1985, she enrolled at Seattle Central Community College to study nursing but did not complete it due to financial difficulty and would eventually switch courses to CNA instead. Upon completing her CNA certification she embarked on numerous healthcare associated jobs until eventually deciding to pursue a career in home healthcare. She completed her BSHCS in 2007 and established her home health care shortly thereafter. There she found joy but her ultimate happy place, outside of her family, was in the kitchen. If you were one of the lucky ones to find your way into her kitchen, you will understand what this is about. Throughout her journey of establishing a career, she toyed with catering and all things food service related. But most of all, she was the greatest servant to her family. She naturally stepped in and filled the role of matriarch upon the passing of our mom and dad and she selflessly gave. Even when she had none left to give, she would find a way. She masterminded a birthday celebration for her youngest brother just days before her untimely passing. Serving her family was all that she ever knew. Words cannot express enough just how deeply she will be missed.
She is survived by her husband Carl, stepchildren John (Reniz), Alyn, Georgina (George), Anna (Jaber), Michelle (Bojo), bothers Raul (Berma), Felino, sisters Pina (Nestor), Pam (Robert), Juliet (Dennis), Grace (Joe); nieces Christine, Rachelle, Jessica, Justine, Allison, Willow and nephews Tyler, Jacob, Caleb, Ethan and step-grandchildren Emma, Achilles, Victoria, Elvis, Carlyn, Amber, Lord, Strawberry, Stannis.