Merlita R.

Marriott

Merlita Marriott passed away peacefully on November 10, 2026, at the age of 81 surrounded by her loved ones. Merlita shared 33 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Dennis Marriott who preceded by her death in 2023. Together, they lived in Benicia before settling in Rio Vista.

Born on July 25, 1945, Merlita was raised in Pasay City-Paranaque, Philippines. She was the fifth of twelve children of Maximo A. Roque, Sr. and Juanita Calimbas. She attended St. Mary’s Academy for elementary school and St. Paul University for high school. In 1967, she graduated from the University of Santo Thomas with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

Merlita began her career teaching Biology at Southeastern College in the Philippines, where she was well loved by her students. Her desire to continue learning and helping others led her to pursue nursing. After coming to the United States, she worked at various hospitals before joining Northbay Healthcare as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She retired in 2017 after many years of dedicated service.

Retirement did not stop Merlita from helping others. In 2018, she obtained her Community Care License and continued working part-time, care for and assisting seniors in the community. She later devoted much of her time to lovingly caring for Dennis, her husband, after he was diagnosed with dementia.

Merlita treasured her family and friendships. She loved family traditions, holiday celebrations, family outings, and the simple joy of being together. She had a generous heart, a caring spirit, and was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a comforting word.

She was a woman of prayer, with a special devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, Divine Mercy and Padre Pio. Her faith was not simply something she believed in; it was something she lived and shared with those she loved.

Her devotion also extended to her church community. At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rio Vista, Merlita joined in the choir and helped establish the Our Lady of Fatima group with a couple of friends.

She leaves behind her beloved siblings, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, stepchildren, extended family and dear friends, all of whom will carry her loving memory in their hearts.

Rest peacefully, Ate Merlita. You were deeply loved, you will be dearly missed, and you will never be forgotten. May your soul rest in eternal peace with our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 3:00pm with a vigil at 5:00pm. Funeral liturgy Friday, November 20, 2026, at 10:30am both days at St. Ignatius of Antioch.