My name is Mark Manibusan, husband of the late Octavia Manibusan, lovingly known as Tavia or Tave. She was a devoted mother, stepmother, daughter, sister, and friend from the beautiful Island of Guam, remembered for her kindness, selflessness, and deep love for her family and community. Octavia worked with Catholic Social Services and dedicated her life to helping others.

After we married in February 2023 and moved to Denver for new opportunities, Octavia’s health declined unexpectedly. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, kidney failure, and vision loss in a short period of time, enduring multiple procedures and dialysis with incredible strength. Despite these challenges, she remained hopeful and resilient, especially when we learned we were expecting our daughter.

Due to pregnancy complications, Octavia was hospitalized and underwent intensive dialysis. Our daughter, Omara Marie, was born ten weeks premature and spent 143 days in the NICU. Octavia continued dialysis while caring for our family, showing unwavering strength and devotion as a mother.

On January 26th, 2026, my wife was scheduled for surgery to remove her PD catheter from her stomach and replace it with a fistula tube in her wrist. As I waited at home with our 14-month-old daughter for updates from the medical team, I grew increasingly anxious when I received no communication. By 5 PM, I decided to call the hospital, only to learn that my wife was in critical condition, already in the ICU on life support. I quickly entrusted our daughter to my wife’s niece, Noreen, and rushed to the hospital. Upon my arrival, the ICU doctors informed me that they were doing everything possible to save her. Tragically, at 7:23 PM, I was told that my wife had no chance of recovery. The doctors attributed her death to complications from the surgery and a possible heart attack.

On February 19th this year, we were meant to celebrate our third wedding anniversary with a family trip to San Diego but instead we will celebrate her new life and will face her funeral on that day.

Octavia was my everything, my rock, my greatest love, and my strongest supporter. In her honor, we hope to return her to Guam so family and friends can celebrate her life. Any support toward funeral and final expenses is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love, prayers, and kindness during this incredibly difficult time.

-Mark Manibusan