Felicitas Bugarin M.D.

Felicitas Bugarin, M.D. of Deep Gap, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the age of 89. Felicitas was born on March 7, 1936, in Manila, Philippines to the late Felixberto De la Cruz and Fausta Federigan. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, José Santos, M.D., a brother, Freddie De la Cruz and a nephew, Mark Maqueda.

A doctor of medicine specializing in adult and child psychiatry, Felicitas devoted more than 50 years of her life to her profession, leaving an indelible mark on the countless patients she treated and mentored. Her empathetic approach and commitment to mental health advocacy earned her respect and admiration from peers and patients alike.

Beyond her professional life, Felicitas embraced the joys of travel, gardening, reading, and cooking. She found peace and creativity in her garden and the kitchen was her place for cooking and sharing meals with loved ones.

Felicitas’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and expertise. Her family, friends, colleagues, and patients will forever cherish her memory.

Dr. Bugarin is survived by her daughter, Bencita Brooks and husband, Jeff of Deep Gap, granddaughter, Bella Brooks, two sisters, Florfina Maqueda of Staten Island, NY and Fedelina De la Cruz of the Philippines, two nephews, Bert Maqueda and Mariano Maqueda as well as a niece, Margaret “Peggy” Anderson.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 11:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Jefferson, North Carolina by Father Jacob Mlakar. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to De la Cruz Farms; 6696 Old 421 S. Deep Gap, NC 28618 or via their website.

https://delacruzfarms.com/current-needs-list/