GARABATO, Josephine M.

Josephine M. Garabato, 90, of Lakewood, WA, passed away peacefully in Manila on January 18, 2012. Born on October 7, 1921 in Botolon, Zambales Province, Philippines, she was a member and lecturer at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, Lakewood, and a retired elementary school teacher, having taught at Fort Lewis for over 35 years. She received a BS degree from Oklahoma College for Women, and a master's in Education from Pacific Lutheran University. Josephine was a dedicated and compassionate educator, having received many honors including the Clover Park School District's most prestigious teacher award, the Golden Acorn Award, for her selfless service to her students, parents and co-workers. Josephine was active in the Filipino-American community promoting culture and goodwill to all ages in the Lakewood/Tacoma/Seattle area. She was preceded in death by her husband, 1SG (Ret) Davis R. Garabato, on October 7, 2002. Survivors include her children, Carmencita (Richard) Torralba of Corrales, NM, SGM (Ret) Davis (Julie) Garabato, Jr. of Roy, WA, COL (Ret) Manolito (Deborah) Garabato of Charlotte, NC, MAJ (Ret) Franklin (Carol) Garabato of Bowling Green, KY, and Cynthia (Cody) Miller of Spanaway, WA; 21 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and nine brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held at the New Tacoma Cemetery and Funeral Home in University Place Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 2012, 10am to 4pm. On Feb. 2, a Rosary will be held at 10am, with Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by reception and celebration of her life at 12 noon at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, with interment at 2pm at the New Tacoma Cemetery. A devoted wife, proud mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who gave selflessly to all without wanting anything in return we will miss and love our beloved Bamo and shall hold loving memories of her love and devotion to family and her spirited and fun loving personality in our hearts forever.