It is with such sorrow we announce that on Saturday, Oct 4th, 2025, Noemi Escalona Dela Cruz Gerrard passed after a fierce battle with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Lovingly known as Tita, Memay, Normi and Noemi, she was a matriarch to her family and a Queen to all.

Born on November 2nd, 1955, in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, to Margarita and Liberato Dela Cruz, Noemi was the oldest of 11 children. Noemi worked in the Philippines, including Clark Air Base for the Americans, as a Nanny/Housekeeper. She came to Canada in 1992, where she nannied for the Szakacs family in Grande Prairie for 2 years (and lived with them for 9 years) before going out into the work force. She then moved out onto a farm out in Fairview, Alberta, when she married Jim Gerrard.

Noemi, a woman of faith, loved shopping (especially Costco), spending time with her Filipino and Canadian families, buying and wearing her gold jewelry, laughing until she had tears in her eyes, visiting with friends, and always being a caretaker. We will be forever grateful for her commitment, almost daily, feeding Isobel Fedyna (who she lovingly called Grandma) for many years.

Noemi was predeceased by her husband Jim, brothers Levy and Daniel, her parents, and Grandma and Grandpa Fedyna. She leaves behind 8 brothers and sisters, many adoring nieces and nephews, and her Canadian family, the Szakacs’. Special mention to Mama Glo (Gloria) and Josephine/John, who were so involved in helping Noemi as her health declined. Thank you.

Another special mention must go to Doctors Keagan and Green, who helped Wendy navigate Noemi being very ill while she was away. Numerous phone calls on a different time zone with so much clarity and compassion helped her and the family tremendously. Thank you.

A celebration of life will be held on November 1st, 2025, at 2:30 pm at the 7th Day Adventist Church, on her 70th birthday weekend. (711039 RR 55, County of GP. Just before Taylor Estates). Please consider wearing something gold for Noemi.

Noemi and Jim will be laid to rest in the Philippines later in November 2025.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Odyssey House in Grande Prairie.