Josefina B Dacanay

Josefina Bucasas Dacanay, 91, died peacefully Wednesday, September 25, 2024. She leaves her son, Santiago “Sonny” Dacanay Jr. and his wife Grace; granddaughter, Maria-Elisa and her husband William Gallant; grandson Santiago “Joey” Dacanay III, his wife Michelle, and their children, Alexander and Lily; and grandson Francis “Grayson” Dacanay. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Santiago Halog Dacanay, Sr. She was born and raised in Bacnotan, La Union, Philippines, the daughter of Leoncia Bucasas and Bernadino Badua. 

Josefina graduated elementary as valedictorian and won the 1949 Bacnotan Town Fiesta Beauty contest - crowned Queen of Bacnotan, La Union. She graduated from Baguio City High School in 1951 and attended the University of the East in Manila majoring in accounting.

After marrying in 1953, she and her husband moved to Baguio City, Philippines where they later raised their son. In 1968, she and Sonny joined her husband immigrating to the United States and living in Camp Springs, Maryland. Later moving to Calvert County, MD, they lived in Dunkirk for many years. She worked as an accountant for the National Academy of Sciences, retiring after 20 years. She enjoyed growing Asian vegetables in their home garden with her husband and mother to share with family and friends, traveling to visit relatives in the Philippines, Canada, Florida, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York, playing blackjack with barkada, and spending time with her grand and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and visitors on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane Owings, MD 20736. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 8816 Chesapeake Ave. North Beach, MD 20714. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735.