Carmelita S. Tacbad (née Santiago), 84, of Bergenfield, passed away on January 27, 2026.  Predeceased by her beloved husband, Mario Tacbad (2005).  Loving mother of Michael and Monalisa Tacbad, and her husband Arnold Panlilio and his sister Ruth. Cherished grandmother of Adrian Jericho “AJ”.

Carmelita was born in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines to Nicanora (née Gatuz) and Gavino Santiago.  She emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, finally residing in Bergenfield.  She worked as a secretary at Mount-Sinai Morningside Hospital, New York City for 26 years. Carmelita was active in St. John’s as a parishioner, Couples for Christ Ministry.

She is survived by Julieta Ilao, her only sister living in Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines, and her children Marielise and Myla, newphew Mark Orillo and family, and nieces Elizabeth Avecilla and her family in California. She is also survived by nephew Ronaldo DeJesus and his family, nieces Leonora, Helen, and Zenaida, and nephews Danilo, Nestor, and Enrique Santos.

Visitation Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Frech-McKnight Funeral Home, 161 Washington Avenue, Dumont.  Funeral Mass Monday, February 2, 2026, 10:00 AM at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church, 29 N. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield.  Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington.