Nenita Co Figuracion passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on August 19, 2025. She was born on March 2, 1936, to Federico Co and Rosalia Cuevas Co in Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines. The second eldest of ten children, Nenita grew up with one sister and eight brothers. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Felipe B. Figuracion, in January 2024.
Nenita graduated from the Chinese General Hospital School of Nursing in Manila, Philippines, in 1957 and immigrated to the United States in 1959. Sponsored by the University of Chicago, she pursued postgraduate nursing studies and training. She met Felipe in Chicago in 1960, and they were united in marriage in 1961. Nenita went on to practice nursing at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (1964–1965), and at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (1965–1968).
In 1968, Felipe and Nenita moved their family to Michigan, where Nenita worked at Lapeer General Hospital until 1970. The family later moved to Battle Creek in 1971 before settling in South Haven in 1975. Beyond managing a busy household, Nenita dedicated herself to her children’s activities, volunteered at their schools and at St. Basil Catholic Church. She often accompanied Felipe to medical conferences and meetings. Known for her delicious homemade meals, snacks, and desserts, Nenita found joy in cooking and sharing her food with family and friends. Once her children were grown, she returned to nursing part-time as a charge nurse at Countryside Nursing Home in 1990, retiring in April 2014.
Nenita loved traveling in the U.S. and abroad, with her most memorable trip being a Concorde flight to England. She cherished time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a founding member of the Philippine American Association of Southwest Michigan, maintaining strong ties to the Filipino community. A social and welcoming host, Nenita and Felipe held countless gatherings at their home; family and friends were always invited to enjoy their beach. She also loved dancing, gardening, and cheering on basketball, tennis, and football games.
Nenita will be remembered as a strong, loving matriarch and prayer warrior with a generous heart. She is survived by her children Angeli (Brent) Certa of South Haven, MI; Philip (Halyna) Figuracion of Upper Montclair, NJ; and Rosali (Kip) Richards of Saline, MI. She is also survived by her grandchildren Kara (Donald) Roman, Shawna Mulvihill, Adam (Kate) Mulvihill Figuracion, Alexander Figuracion, Nicholas Figuracion, and Gabriella Richards; as well as two great-grandchildren, Marcy and Donovan Roman.
Philippians 1:21, 23: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain…to depart and be with Christ is better by far.”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. at St. Basil Catholic Church, 513 Monroe Blvd, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Fr. Evelio Ramirez will officiate.
Donations in Nenita’s memory may be made to St. Basil Catholic Church. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Caring Circle of Corewell Health for the compassionate care provided in recent months.
To those who choose to leave a memory or condolence you may visit: www.starksfamilyfh.com Arrangements are entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Memorial Contributions
St. Basil Catholic Church
Service Details
Visitation
When
August 28th, 2025 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where
St. Basil Catholic Church
Address
513 Monroe St.
South Haven , Michigan 49090
Service
When
August 28th, 2025 1:00pm
Where
St. Basil Catholic Church
Address
513 Monroe St.
South Haven , Michigan 49090
Posted On: Thursday, August 21, 2025 4:43 PM
