Oscar M. Navoa

Oscar M. Navoa, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in South Bend, Indiana. Born in the Philippines on January 6, 1941, Oscar was known for his lively story telling, his excellent woodworking skills, and his sense of humor. He moved through life with a vibrant spirit and steadfast strength, never one to back down from a challenge and frequently the one who would come up with an inventive solution to address it. 

Oscar and his beloved wife of 57 years, Helen, were the first of both of their families to immigrate to the United States back in the 1970s. Although those early years were quite difficult, Oscar and Helen settled in the Chicagoland area, adapting to the Midwest winters and working hard for the family. He would often share stories of life in the Philippines, where he was a policeman, a weightlifter who nearly qualified for the Olympics, and a martial artist trained in judo, aikido, and arnis. 

After becoming a naturalized citizen, Oscar proudly joined the US Army Reserves, frequently coming back with tales from his weekend training. However, Oscar was most at peace when spending time working outside in the backyard garden, where there was always a beautiful, handmade shrine for a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every summer, he would plant and harvest a wide variety of vegetables, including hard to find ones used in Filipino cooking like ampalaya, bataw, and talbos ng kamote. He also loved learning about the natural healing properties of different plants, especially garlic, ginger, comfrey, and the aronia berry. 

Along with many prayer group members, Oscar practiced a faithful devotion to Santo Niño, the Infant Jesus of Prague, as well as to Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He is preceded in death by his parents, Villamor and Dalmacia Navoa, his sister, Sonia Santos, his brother, Cesar Navoa, and his Irog, Helen. He is survived by his brother, Ramon (Ester) Navoa, and several nephews. Oscar is also survived by his three children: Joy Navoa, Christopher Navoa, and Gina Navoa Svarovsky. Oscar welcomed his son-in-law, Mike Svarovsky, to the family as his own, and was so proud of his two grandchildren, Sonia and Oscar Svarovsky, who he enthusiastically cheered on in Tagalog during their swim meets. In his final months, he reveled in sharing his love of Scrabble with them, especially when he could teach them how to score 36 points with the placement of a single letter.

Oscar leaves behind a legacy of strength, courage, humor, and commitment. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Palmer Funeral Homes-Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 30th, at 10:30AM at Christ the King Catholic Church at 52473 State Hwy 933, South Bend, IN, 46637.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Black Madonna/Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine near Eureka, Missouri https://theblackmadonnashrine.org/  or Heifer International https://www.heifer.org/