Encarnacion Santos Manalac, of Hickory, passed away after a period of declining health on Saturday, June 5, 2021.  She was 89.

She was born on March 29, 1932 to the late Felizberto Santos and Maria Miranda of Baliuag, Bulacan on the island of Luzon, Philippines.

Affectionately know as "Nay", she was well-loved by her family and friends.  A gifted student in her youth, she was named salutatorian of her secondary school and graduated summa cum laude.  Among her many innate gifts were her remarkable skills as a seamstress, her beautiful and extraordinary gardens, her love of orchids, and her talent as a cook.  A humble, giving, and thoughtful woman unmatched in her quiet grace and elegance, she was our heroine.  A kindhearted, gentle and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  A devout Roman Catholic, she will be missed.  Gone from our sight, but not from our hearts.

Encarnacion was preceded in death by her husband, Mauro Manalac, and one daughter, Maria Emilia Ignacio.

She leaves behind six children; Ramon Manalac (Flor); Victor Manalac (Den); Marianito Manalac, Remigio Manalac (Marie); Nenita Borrero (Joey) and Lucia Cornwell (Dale, deceased); fifteen grandchildren; and two great-grand children.