Charito "Chat" Licup

Our beloved Mother Charito “Chat” Diaz Licup suddenly passed away on July 24 ^th , 2022 at the age of 66 in Los Angeles, California. She was a wonderful mother who was known for having a “heart of gold” and an unfailing love for her children and family.

Her loved ones called her "Chat" and the ones much closer know her as “Charit”. Charito is blessed with a large and close-knit family. In 1974, she met Cesar Licup, with whom she would later reconnect in 1980 while working for the Government (NIA), and inevitably developed a romance while taking the same bus. The couple would eventually tie the knot in 1984 at the Santa Barbara Cathedral Parish Church. Chat helped raise her three children with generosity, discipline, humility, and unconditional love. She taught them how to read and write, spoiled them with food and gifts, and often prepared extravagant care packages (balikbayan boxes) for her 1 ^st and 2 ^nd born, Jing and Allan. Nevertheless, despite her condition, she made it a priority to keep her relationship current by FaceTiming and offering financial support for family and friends in her hometown of Santa Barbara, Philippines.

Chat was a masterpiece at gardening, she enjoyed Flowers of all kinds and often cooked the food that she harvested, her favorite show is Raffy Tulfo. In her youth, she attended Barangay Talanghauan Elementary and excelled in all curriculums cementing 1 ^st honors throughout her tenure, she continued her success at Central Philippine University High School and would eventually graduate from the Western Institute of Technology in 1980 with a BSC major BA.

She was kind, very generous, soft-spoken, always made time for her friends and anyone in need, and did it all without questioning with pure unconditional love. Chat always wanted to help the ones in need, especially friends and family who respected her. Chat had a genuine relationship with her youngest son R.J. they shared intimate stories, always went out for brunch, and would often prank each other at random times, solidifying an unbreakable mother and son bond that would last forever.

Chat had a big group of friends who endearingly calls her “Charit”. She doted on her friend Ascila whom she's known since birth, and they often made time for each other to talk about life and family. Most notable friends are Mimi Grace, Mary "Diding", Leticia, Nida, etc. She also remembered staying in touch with former classmates such as Grace French, Peal Ruiz, Johnny Yap, Ching, Fe Enabe, etc. She often connected with her former colleagues and bosses (Gigi, Mimi Arrieta, Elma) which developed into more prominent friendships for over 35 years.

She will be dearly missed by those that loved her most. Charito is survived by her husband Cesar, her lovely sons Allan (36), R.J. (34), a daughter who modeled her motherly ways, Sarah "Jing" (37), Merlinda aka "Nanay," who still serves as the family's beloved nanny before the birth of her kids, her Grandkids: Lianne Bliss, Alondra "Ava," Kane, her Son in Law Clark, and Daughter in Law Julie-Ann. She is also supported with care by her loving and compassionate Elder Sister Lirio, her sidekick Cecilia, Lourdes, who looked up to her, and deeply loved little Sister Maricho, who she calls "Mitz." She is preceded in death by her Brothers Melanio, and Wilfredo, her sister Nyda and her Parents, Demetria and Fructoso.

Chat was beyond grateful for her big family, whom she highly adored, her favorite nephew from an infant age Raphael "R.P." who endearingly refers to her as "Mama Chat," Christopher Diaz, Rafael "Gaming", RubyJean, Bremer, Joseph Reuben Jr., her loving Auntie Inday for whom Chat admired so much they always spent their weekends together with Uncle Neil, cousins Hermie, sister-in-laws Belen Licup and Jovita Diaz, Peter, Mary “Mim”, Crystal, Coral, Cecile P. and many of Chats uncles, aunts, and cousins that aren't mentioned.

Including the Family members that are no longer with us that Charito adored and influenced her success, Lola Pina, Lolo Juan Demata, her beloved niece Apple, Lolo Lito, Lola Lita, Uncle Nene, Uncle John, Auntie Renee, Auntie Eva, cousins Alex, Jason, Babes,  brother-in-law Rueben Diaz Cruz Sr.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401