Born in the Philippines, Asuncion (“Sion”) Lagasca Santa Cruz was the youngest of six children.

Sion passed away peacefully on Friday, June 28, 2024, at nearly 90 years old with her family in Virginia Beach, VA. She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 70 years, Antonio (“Tony”); five children, Antonio, Jr., Rosario (Larry), Benedict (Kandace), Justina (Greg), and Maria (Doug); 11 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. Sion is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Gisela.

Sion grew up as one of the four beautiful Lagasca sisters of Bacnotan, La Union, and was voted as a town fiesta queen and princess. She emigrated with her husband and children to Seattle, WA, where she lived for nearly 50 years. After more than 20 years, she retired from Seattle’s Washington Athletic Club in 2005, and then moved to Virginia Beach with Tony to live in the care of her loving daughter and son-in-law, Rosario and Larry Walker.

Sion loved to garden and watch her dahlias and roses grow. And in the game of Mahjong, her family and friends would play furiously to win before she would inevitably say, “Pong!” –proof that she was a masterful player at the game. Sion also enjoyed watching tennis on TV with Tony, playing solitaire and the casino slots, which she could play for hours. Oh, but what a joyful sound it was to hear her cheer on her favorite Seattle sports teams: the Mariners, the Seahawks, and the former Seattle SuperSonics. Family and friends will always remember Sion’s infectious laughter and love of life.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at St. John The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 1968 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, followed by a Celebration of Life and recognition of our dear Sion’s 90th Birthday, at 1:00 pm at The Founders Inn Hotel and Spa, at 5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach VA 23464.