Paulina Gucela Mantilla

Kansas, Oklahoma — Paulina Gucela Mantilla, a devoted homemaker, a God-fearing and loving mother, and a hero to her family, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at the age of 90. She was born on June 22, 1935, in Baybay, Leyte, Philippines.

Early Life

Paulina’s life was shaped by resilience and courage. As a child, she survived the hardships of World War II, an experience that nurtured her strength, compassion, and generosity. In a family where girls were not permitted to attend school, Paulina and her eldest sister, Fidela, bravely ran away to pursue an education. Their determination changed their parents’ perspective and opened the door for their two younger sisters, who later became teachers. Her courage became a defining part of her family’s legacy.

Life and Character

Paulina lived a life defined by love, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her family. Her warmth, skill, and spirited personality touched everyone who knew her. She was an undefeated Scrabble champion, carrying that title with the same quiet ferocity and sharp intellect she brought to everything she did.

Resourceful and talented, she tended her garden with devotion, sewed with precision, repaired household items with ease, and built with wood like a true craftswoman at heart. A gifted storyteller, she shared her faith and love for Jesus through imaginative stories that captivated her grandchildren. She also found joy and excitement in watching WrestleMania, delighting in every match.

Legacy

Above all, Paulina’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She created memories that will be cherished for generations, and her legacy of faith, strength, and love lives on in the lives she touched.

Survivors

Paulina is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family who will forever honor her memory.

Survivor Summary

Daughter: Krystal Megan De Lima Grandchildren: Zenith De Lima, Amador De Lima Jr. with Edna De Lima Great‑Grandchildren: Mia Thompson, Justin Thompson Jr., Madix Thompson, Jaykob De Lima, Alecs Aguda

Daughter: Aida Mantilla‑Elvinia (with Melchor R. Elvinia) Grandchildren: Rochelle Faith M. Elvinia, Ruth Kathleen Elvinia‑Salgado Great‑Grandchild: Kate Renee Elvinia‑Salgado

Son: Frank Mantilla (with Editha Mantilla) Grandchildren: King Mantilla, Rima Mantilla, Ageli Mantilla, F. Francis Mantilla Great‑Grandchildren: Akia Mantilla, Franz Cheska Mantilla, Haely Megan Mantilla, Koko Absin, Kim Mantilla, Benchard Mantilla, John Joseph Mantilla

Daughter: Franklina Mantilla (with Jan Delbaere) Grandchildren: Eriberto Loreto III, Kim Delbaere, Wouter Delbaere, Tom Delbaere, Tine Delbaere, Mieke Delbaere Great‑Grandchild: Hailey Quinn Loreto

Daughter: Maya Mantilla El Aliemy Grandchildren: Tom Derry Marion Mantilla, Von Saied Mantilla El Aliemy, Mia Mikhaila Divine Mantilla Great‑Grandchildren: Joshua Marion Mantilla, Joanna Kristine Mantilla, Joseph Marion Mantilla

Son: Lino Mantilla (with Cristita Mantilla) Grandchildren: Sharie Lyn Mantilla‑Cabilan, Alvin Jay Mantilla, Licah Mhil Mantilla, Niña Lene Mantilla, Hubert Paul Mantilla Great‑Grandchildren: Solenn Felize Marqueda, Amari Beatrice Cabilan, Asaiah Karev Cabilan, Alexandra Nathalie Mantilla, Sophia Isabelle Mantilla

Paulina is also survived by:

Her beloved sister Fidela Gocela‑Arces, and is represented through her children—Sam Gocela, Ismael Go, and Salome Go‑Santos.

Her sister Josefina Gucela Villamor is represented through her children—Cecilia V. Flores, Carlo G. Villamor, Cecilio G. Villamor Jr., Noel G. Villamor, Jocel V. Patigdas, and Catherine V. Mejia.

Paulina was preceded in death by:

Her parents, Meliton Subayno and Iluminada (Bañoc) Gucela; deceased siblings Rosa Gucela-Alera, Necasio Gucela, and Sulpicio Gucela. Her legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Services

A graveside service honoring Paulina’s life will be held at 2 PM on March 13, 2026, at Kansas Cemetery in Kansas, Oklahoma. Though she will be deeply missed, Paulina will always be lovingly remembered by her family and friends.