Leticia “Letty” Bautista was born in 1950 in Iloilo, Philippines, to Manuel Bocatija and Trinidad Eso Bocatija. She was raised alongside her two brothers, Manuel Jr. and Roland, in a devout Catholic household where faith, values, and love of family were deeply instilled. Her father served in the Philippine–U.S. Army during World War II and strongly valued education, ensuring that Letty received an excellent schooling through all-girls institutions made possible by his military service.
Letty earned a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Philippine Women’s University. After graduation, she worked successfully as a medical technologist in the Philippine Air Force. Her career and independence allowed her to travel extensively, visiting countries such as Germany, Hong Kong, France, Italy, and the United States.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Letty later established her own business in Manila, opening boutiques specializing in luxury goods and haberdashery. Known for her impeccable style and eye for trends, she frequently traveled to California to source imported goods, which she shipped back to the Philippines. Fashion, jewelry, travel, and business brought her joy and fulfillment as a young entrepreneur.
In the Philippines, Letty met the love of her life, Gil Bautista. Together, they shared a life filled with travel, music, and cherished memories. After marrying, they made the decision to immigrate to the United States to build their family. They settled in Chicago, where Letty—ever faithful—hand-carried her cherished and miraculous Santo Niño, a symbol of her deep devotion.
Letty always dreamed of becoming a mother and prayed daily for a child. After experiencing pregnancy loss, she entrusted her prayers to the Santo Niño, whom she lovingly called “Nonoy.” Soon after, she became pregnant and gave birth to their beloved son, Gerard Gillet Bautista, in Chicago. Though advised by doctors that it was unsafe to have more children, Letty and Gil devoted their lives to raising their son with unwavering love, faith, and unity. They named him Gillet, a combination of their names, symbolizing their bond as one family. In 1984, the family moved to California to begin a new chapter together.
Letty was a woman of remarkable strength, determination, and grace. She worked for 15 years as a nurse at Kaiser Hospital while dedicating herself fully to her family. She ensured her son was raised in the Catholic faith and educated in Catholic schools, proudly attending every school event, fundraiser, and milestone. She made their home a place filled with love, tradition, and lasting memories.
Her entrepreneurial spirit continued in the United States, where she became affectionately known as “Tita Letty” to many. She loved to take care of people, making them feel welcome when they were
around her. Letty would show her love through the joy she brough into any space and cooking for anyone that came over to the house. She was truly everyone’s Tita. She decided to leave Kaiser and she opened and successfully operated a fine jewelry business in Riverside and West Covina for over 25 years, traveling to trade shows, selling wholesale, and welcoming customers daily. She found joy not only in her business, but in life—traveling with her family, hosting gatherings, cooking lovingly for others (she was an AMAZING cook), celebrating culture, and serving her parish through fundraising and leading Santo Niño prayers. Though she appreciated beautiful things, it was the simple moments, faith, and family that mattered most to her.
In 2019, Letty stepped away from her business as she began showing signs of cognitive decline. She was officially diagnosed with progressive Alzheimer’s dementia in 2020. Though the disease gradually took her words, her love, warmth, and presence never faded. She faced her illness with courage and dignity, supported faithfully by her husband and son.
In 2025, Letty entered the final stage of her illness and was lovingly cared for at home. She was blessed to celebrate her 75th birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year surrounded by family. On January 15, 2026, while receiving in-home hospice care, Letty passed away peacefully and naturally at home, with her husband and son by her side.
She entered eternal rest on the Feast of the Santo Niño, a profound comfort to her family and a testament to a life rooted in faith. Leticia “Letty” Bautista leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, perseverance, and grace—a life fully lived in service to God, family, and others.
