Marina Angelita Portal Guanga, 86, of Raleigh, North Carolina died on April 14, 2019 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was born in Dingle, Iloilo, Philippines on December 26, 1932, the eldest of six children of the late Jose and Susana Portal. She was one of the first two female graduates from Iloilo University, Philippines with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1954. She practiced as a dentist for over 30 years. After retiring from her private practice in Olongapo City, Philippines, she moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to be with her children and grandchildren.

She married Roberto J. Guanga, a former US Navy CPO. They were married for 52 years until Roberto’s death in 2015. She was a devout Catholic, with very strong faith and a well-loved and respected member of the community. She enjoyed cross stitching, singing, playing the piano and reading books.

Marina is survived by her children, Suzette (Ferdie) Camaya of Raleigh, NC, Joyce Guanga of Holly Springs, NC, Robert (Gigi) Guanga of The Netherlands, Gerald (Lani) Guanga of Lincoln, NE; ten grandchildren, Ryan, Jacob, Adrianna, Kyle, Faith, Hope, Elijah, Abigail, Roman and Gia; and 1 great-grandchild, Tai.

In her memory, a requiem mass was held at St. Francis of Assisi in Lincoln, NE at 1 PM on April 15, 2019.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, a visitation at 9:30 a.m.followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, NC 27608. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering immediately after the service. A 3:00 p.m. burial service will be held at the grave site at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 211 Irwin Drive, Newton Grove, NC 28366.