Herminia Dacanay Oller's Obituary
Herminia “Hermie” Dacanay Oller died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at her home in San Francisco with family by her side. She was 97.
Hermie was born Aug. 6, 1926, in Naga, Philippines, to the late Severo and Simona Asprer Dacanay. After graduating from high school, Hermie began attending the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, but her studies were interrupted by World War II. Subsequently, she and her family fled Manila to seek safety in the countryside until the end of the war.
Following the war, she met Conrad D. Oller, a U.S. soldier who was originally from the Philippines. They were married on March 14, 1948, in Manila, then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and started their family.
As the wife of a U.S. serviceman, Hermie was tasked with raising her family on Army bases around the world including assignments in Arizona; Georgia; Texas; Washington, D.C.; the Presidio of San Francisco; Germany; and Okinawa.
In 1970, Hermie and Conrad retired to San Francisco. Over the course of her 54 years in San Francisco, she was active in her church and community. A gifted vocalist and pianist, she taught piano to generations of San Franciscans. She brought her talent and energy to the St. James Presbyterian Church where she served her music ministry for God as church pianist and music director.
Hermie was a true family woman and a loyal friend to many. Her home was always welcoming with music and plenty of food (masarap!) to a large extended family that spanned generations. She was one of a kind — confident, feisty, strong-willed and caring. She will be missed, remembered and treasured in our hearts forever.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Conrad D. Oller Sr., Hermie is survived by daughters Grace Calman (husband, Jay) and Lina Marchman (husband, David); son Conrad D. Oller Jr. (wife, Lori); and grandchildren Avery Calman, Alexis Hyland (husband, Greg), Portia Marchman and Rachel Oller. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Jake, Luke and Reese Hyland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. A visitation begins at 11:30 a.m. and the service starts at 12:30 p.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park on Route 35 at Highway 92 in San Mateo, California.
Memorials may be made to the St. James Presbyterian Church of San Francisco, 240 Leland Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94134
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