Grace Karen Maggay Basa

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Grace Karen Basa, 42, of Long Beach, CA. Karen passed away surrounded by her loved ones on May 5, 2022, in her home.

Born to Severiano and Helena Basa, took her first breath on October 11, 1979, in Subic Bay Philippines. Karen is the youngest of eight siblings and the daughter of first-generation immigrants. She migrated with her family in 1987 and moved to Watsonville, California. From the get-go, Karen was a force to be reckoned with, her father was a Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War and embodied his mentality. She is survived by her loving spouse, Elenita, her mother, Helena, and her siblings Eleanore, Albert, Errol, Exor, Sharon (Susan), Richard (Will) and Clarissa (Claire), 15 nieces and nephews and was predeceased by her father.

Karen married Elenita "Lenny" Cundangan on November 22, 2014. Lenny and Karen loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. They were deeply devoted to each other. They both have big extended families that keep them very busy. They always made a point to be there for special occasions.

Karen lived a very active and healthy lifestyle. She loved running, hiking, biking and snowboarding. She competed in marathons and collected a multitude of medals. She was very passionate and disciplined in her hobbies. Karen also loved to travel. She took the opportunity to visit her siblings' military duty stations all over the United States as well as overseas. She mostly enjoyed traveling with her sister, Claire; whom she visited and enjoyed places such as Greece, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Germany, Indonesia and many others. She loved vacationing on the sandy beaches of Hawaii with Family and Loved ones. Bellows Beach was her "Happy Place". Karen lived life to its fullest. She laughed with her family and friends. She loved life unequivocally.

Karen, a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Friday, May 20 at Coastal Funeral Center, with a Mass service on Saturday, May 21st at 10:00 AM at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, in Lomita, California.