Merle Guarin Cruz, 67, was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011. After a brave battle with cancer, she passed away at St. John's Hospital in Oxnard.

Merle was born on July 19, 1943 in Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines. As the eldest daughter of Onofre and Leonila Guarin, she grew up with her five brothers and sisters. She attended Camiling Rural High School and Camiling Secondary Institute. Merle graduated Cum Laude from Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila, where she earned her Bachelors of Education.

In 1976, Merle immigrated to Athens, Ga., where she worked as an elementary school teacher. In 1982, she moved to Oxnard and began working with the Department of Defense. Merle always valued education and thus decided to pursue her dream of having a masters degree. That dream was realized when she earned her Masters of Business Administration from the University of La Verne. She became the first in her family to earn a graduate degree.

Then, in 1992, Merle married her husband, Ernesto Cruz. After earning her masters, Merle let her enterprising nature shine by participating in several businesses in insurance, sales, and telecommunications, in addition to continuing her work with the Department of Defense. Merle was a devoted Catholic and carried the family tradition of music throughout her life. She was a member of the Saint Anthony's Catholic Church Choir and sang in several bands with family and friends. She was active in the Fil-Am Seniors Association and the Camilinians Association of Southern California. Merle had many friends in the community and was known for having a strong faith in God, a bright smile and gentle laughter, as well as being kind and compassionate.

She is preceded in death by her father, Onofre Guarin, Sr.

She is survived by her husband, Ernesto Cruz; her mother, Leonila Guarin; her siblings, Ernesto Guarin, of Virginia Beach, Renato Guarin, of Oxnard, Lydia G. Ingel , of Oxnard, Erlinda G. Macaranas, of Oxnard, Jim Onofre Guarin, of Buena Park; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 12 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 17, with a Vigil/Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Santa Clara Mortuary, 2370 North H Street, Oxnard. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18 at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church. A committal service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at Santa Clara Cemetery.