We celebrate the life in loving memory of Germaline Cayaban Fortin who was called home to be with the Lord on December 18, 2025, at the age of 55.

Germaline Fortin was born on June 5, 1970, in Stuttgart, Germany, to her parents, Virgilio De Asis Fortin and Virginia Cayaban Fortin. She grew up in a military household and lived in many places around the world, including Stuttgart, Germany; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Fort Ord, California. Eventually, Germaline and her family settled in Salinas, California, where she attended Santa Rita Elementary School and graduated from North Salinas High School in 1988.

Germaline was a beautiful reflection of strength, resilience, and unwavering love. She celebrated life through her joyful spirit, her infectious laughter, and the deep care she showed to everyone around her. To know Germaline was to feel uplifted by her presence and encouraged by her heart. She loved fully and met each day with courage and purpose. Her life reminds us not only of how strong the human spirit can be, but also of how meaningful it is to cherish the small moments, hold loved ones close, and live each day with gratitude. Germaline’s legacy lives on in the joy she shared, the love she gave, and the lives she touched so profoundly.

Germaline’s greatest pride and joy was raising her three children—Luke, Gabriel, and Alicia. As a devoted single parent, she stepped up to ensure they were raised with structure, responsibility, and steadfast love. With everything she had, Germaline dedicated her life to being their biggest cheerleader and strongest support, guiding them as they grew into adulthood.

Germaline found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including listening to the sound of the ocean, spending time with her family, sharing cherished stories from her younger years with her cousins, attending church, and savoring a warm cup of coffee. She is survived by her father, Virgilio De Asis Fortin; her brother, Ferdinand Fortin; her sons, Luke Fortin and Gabriel Fortin; her daughter, Alicia (Fortin) Baza; her daughter-in-law, Panelope (Pilanca) Fortin; and her son-in-law, Humerto Baza. Germaline will be deeply missed by all who knew her, though she is no longer with us, her love and spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

A Visitation will take place for Germaline on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 10am-5pm with a Celebration of Life starting at 3pm-4pm that day.  The services will be at Healey Mortuary in Salinas.  Her burial will be Thursday, January 15th at 11am at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery where she will be laid to rest with her mother, Virginia Fortin.