Loberna C. Monzon-Dinglasan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Dr. Loberna C. Monzon-Dinglasan, affectionately known as Bernie or Bing, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024, at the age of 83, in her home in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.Born in Bacoor, Philippines, she was the eldest daughter of Bernardino and Leonila Monzon. Bernie graduated from Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial Integrated High School in Kawit, Philippines, before pursuing her medical studies at The University of the East, Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center in Manila. It was there she met the love of her life, Roberto A. Dinglasan—fondly known as Bert or Ding, along with several friends, Cayetano and Mina Munoz and Nelson and Deborah Villamor, who remained close until her passing. After earning her medical degree in 1964, Bernie became the first in her family to emigrate to the United States, continuing her training as a resident at Georgetown University Hospital.

Bernie and Bert married in 1967 in Buffalo, New York, and began a life together filled with love and shared purpose. As Chief Resident of Obstetrics at Georgetown, Bernie had the honor of assisting in the delivery of Rory Elizabeth Kennedy, the youngest daughter of the late Robert and Ethel Kennedy, in December 1968. Just a month later, Bernie and Bert welcomed their first daughter, Loberna Rose, in Washington, D.C. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Roberto Andre, a year later in Buffalo, New York. Shortly after his birth, they moved to Arizona, where Bert completed his fellowship at Maricopa County General Hospital where they formed lifelong friendships with Conrado and Amelita Ballecer, Vicente and Concepcion Enciso, and Marcial and Lydia Ebalo. They also met Dr. Luis Tan, who connected them to a vibrant community of fellow Filipino doctors and nurses and the Filipino Club of Arizona, which played an integral part of their lives.

Upon passing the Arizona Medical Boards, Bernie and Bert were recruited to work at Phelps Dodge Hospital in Morenci, Arizona, where they lived for two years. Upon returning to Phoenix in 1976, Bernie began working at the Maricopa County General Hospital as an OB-Gyn. In 1978, the couple welcomed their youngest daughter, Elizabeth Grace. Throughout Bert’s health struggles, Loberna stood by him with unwavering commitment until his passing in 2005. Bernie was blessed with seven grandchildren.

Bernie loved serving her community and celebrating her faith. She was a Eucharistic minister offering comfort and faith to homebound parishioners. She organized religious pilgrimages to the Holy Land, Lourdes, Fatima, and the Philippines. She brought many people together to deepen their faith. Her most revered experience was when her dear friend, Bishop William Gomes, arranged a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican for their group. She participated in medical missions to the Philippines and Mexico, bringing free medical care to those in need. She also knew how to enjoy life through vacations, cruises, and hosting many parties. Her home was always a welcoming space, filled with friends, family, and community members who gathered for celebrations, prayer meetings, and times of solace. She took the lead in coordinating prayers, including the Divine Mercy and Novenas, and was a source of spiritual strength for many.

Bernie retired in 2010, after 40 years of dedicated service with Maricopa County. After retirement, Bernie dedicated her time to volunteer work, especially at the Mission of Mercy in downtown Phoenix. As a cancer survivor, Bernie continued to live with grace and strength. She was known for her compassion, warmth, and generosity, which she extended to everyone she met. Together, Bernie and Bert were deeply involved in numerous community organizations serving as Presidents of the Filipino Club of Arizona, the Fil-Am Lions Club, and the Association of Practicing Philippine Physicians of Arizona (APPPA). In 1996, she founded the Philippine Debutante Cotillion for the young women in the Filipino community. In addition, she served as a Prefect for the St. Thomas the Apostle Sodality.

Known for her boundless generosity, her vocal talents, and her family photo t-shirts, Bernie always put others before herself. Her legacy of love and service lives on, with countless people sharing stories of how she touched their lives. Her children often hear, “Are you related to Dr. D.?” followed by heartfelt memories of Bernie’s kindness and influence. Her deep faith, love for her community, and spirit of compassion will always be remembered, and her presence will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Bernie is survived by her children Rose (Chris), Rob (Wendy), and Liz (Mike); her grandchildren Monica, Emily, Andrea, Kiro, Robbie, Bodhi, and Wilson; her siblings Avegail and Concepcion, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Bert, her parents Bernardino and Leonila Monzon, her brothers Bernardino Jr., Eliseo, and Jesus, her niece Karen, and her nephew Gabby.

A viewing will be held from 4-8pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018. Rosary prayers will begin promptly at 5pm.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Monday, November 11, 2024 at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Parish, 2312 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016, with burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery - Mausoleum, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85008. The reception will immediately follow the burial at Mt. Claret, 4633 N. 54th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018, https://mtclaret.org/ 

Flowers may be sent to Whitney & Murphy, or in lieu of flowers, you may choose to make a charitable donation in memory of Dr. Loberna Monzon-Dinglasan to the Filipino Club of Arizona, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that Bernie held dear to her heart, at 221 W. Conrad Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85023.

Rest in peace, Mom/Lola, as you reunite with Dad/Lolo, singing and laughing together once again. We love you, and you will forever be in our hearts and memories.