Elizabeth Michael Obituary
Elizabeth "Beth" Nardo Michael suddenly passed away in Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 7, 2024 at the age of 73. She went home to the Creator and was welcomed there by her father (Clemente Calub Nardo), mother (Maria Soriano Nardo), sisters (Aurora Nardo Escano and Virginia Soriano Nardo), and other dear friends and family. She is lovingly remembered by her beloved "lakay" (husband) of 49 years, Hilario "Larry" Collado Michael, Jr.; children: Jeanmari Evans (spouse - Robert Christian Evans), Christine Michael (partner - Randolph Marcelo), and Larry Michael III (spouse - Rachel Michael); grandchildren: Solana and Amelie Szymanski (children of Christine Michael), Nalani, Kai, and Malaya Michael (children of Larry and Rachel Michael); siblings Edwin Soriano Nardo (spouse - Phoebe Nardo), Virgilio Soriano Nardo (spouse - Flora Nardo), and Portia Nardo Walton, as well as nieces and nephews, godchildren, extended family, and countless friends.
Beth, the oldest child of the Nardo family, was born on January 8, 1951 in Ramos, Tarlac, where she also attended elementary and middle school. She graduated in 1967 from the Catholic high school, La Salette in Aurora, Isabela and graduated with honors from Manila Central University as one of the youngest and brightest in her class. Her adventurous spirit led her to immigrate to Macon, Georgia in the United States in 1971 where she met the love of her life, her husband, Hilario Michael Jr., who was in the US Navy at the time. The two love birds married on January 29, 1975. God guided them to the DC/Maryland/Virginia area where they eventually settled down in Montclair, VA and raised a family. She cherished her roles as wife, mom, and "lola" (grandmother).
Beth had a passion for learning and caring for others which grew into a storied nursing career of over 45 years of saving lives as an emergency and critical care nurse and positively impacting her profession as a mentor and Director of Nursing Operations at Bridgepoint National Harbor Hospital (previously Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley, Hadley Memorial Hospital) in Washington, DC. She also worked at Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA and also volunteered her nursing skills here and abroad in medical missions. She believed that God gives us all gifts which we should use to give back to humanity, and she chose to use her gifts to help people when they are in their most dire moments. Nursing also gave her the opportunity to make lifelong friends, many of which she fondly referred to as her "BFFs".
Beth attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Triangle, VA, and her love and devotion to the Lord and Savior were an essential part of her life. She was also a member of BIMAK DC and supported many other groups that promote sharing Filipino culture with all generations. She was a proud Ilocano and also an Igorot by marriage to Larry and fully embraced and loved his culture. She also loved Filipino folk dancing, especially her favorite "Sissiwit", and shared her love of folk dancing with her children and grandchildren.
Beth is best remembered for her radiant smile and contagious laughter, her love of photographing every moment, and her protective nature of the ones she loved. After retirement, she spent her time doting on her grandchildren, gardening, and traveling the world. She loved cooking her favorite dish pinakbet with the vegetables (kalabasa, sitaw, kamote, ampalaya) grown in her garden. Without a doubt, she would want to make sure to mention her upo and chayotes too! She loved gathering with friends and family and was always excited to join others in line dancing or karaoke. She especially loved singing with her husband, and they often sang together in the kitchen while trying out new recipes. She believed in enjoying life to the fullest and chose to live joyfully and faithfully as a servant of God.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, and compassion for others and will be dearly missed by so many.
Her family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all those who have steadied them through this difficult time. They especially express their deepest thanks and love to their new family in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
May perpetual light shine upon Beth in the Lord's House, and may the Lord bless and keep us all.
Visitation will be held at: Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22192 on June 2, 2024 from 12:00pm-2:00pm. EST with a service to immediately follow in Miller's chapel.
Flowers can be delivered to: Miller Funeral Home, ℅ Family of Elizabeth Nardo Michael, 3200 Golansky Blvd Woodbridge, VA 22192 Burial and graveside service will be in Arlington National Cemetery and will be announced at a later date.
