Local
CRMC Nurse Dies From COVID-19 After 46 Days in Hospital
Oliver Isleta, 58, a registered nurse in the Community Regional Medical Center telemetry unit died Tuesday after a long battle with COVID-19.
He leaves behind a wife of 27 years, and a 13-year-old son — both in the Philippines. Isleta hoped to become a U.S. citizen so he could bring them here.
“I really thought he would get well and be able to go home.” — Marilou Tomambo, Oliver’s sister
“We were totally shocked,” his sister Marilou Tomambo told GV Wire℠ by phone. She believes he contracted COVID-19 at work because he was on the front lines during the height of the pandemic.
Tomambo says what began as a simple cough lasting several weeks turned into a tragedy the family could never have imagined. She wants to continue his effort of bringing his family here.
[rlic_related_post_one]CRMC Statement
“It is with indescribable sadness that I share the tragic loss of a very special member of our team, Oliver Isleta,” Craig A. Wagoner, vice president and chief operating officer for Community Medical Centers, said in a message to staff. “Oliver, an RN in the CRMC Telemetry Unit, passed away today (Tuesday) due to complications of COVID-19.
“I want to express my sincerest condolences to his family and to Oliver’s Community family who worked closest with him. You’ve suffered a tremendous loss and there are no words to adequately acknowledge your grief. As I remember Oliver and pray for his family, friends and coworkers, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to work with such a caring, compassionate and talented team. I can’t imagine serving alongside a greater family of individuals.”
Oliver Isleta’s wife, Jeanette, and son, Matthew Isleta, in Davao, Philippines. (Marilou Tomambo)
Sister Remembers Her Big Brother as an Angel
Isleta was the oldest of four siblings, and he was his parents’ only son.
From left to right: Ludie Isleta (mother), Marilou Tomambo (sister), Eleono Santamarina (oldest sister), Elizabeth Isleta (youngest sister), Oliver Isleta (Marilou Tomambo)
“I really thought he would get well and be able to go home,” said Tomambo.
She said that he initially was hospitalized in Clovis before being transferred to CRMC because of its ICU bed space.
Four days before his death, Tomambo said, her brother was showing signs of improvement and gave his family a thumbs up during a Zoom meeting. Intubated, he couldn’t speak. She complimented the nursing staff for using Zoom to bring their family together.
After 46 days in the hospital, — about 30 of those in the ICU — he died. Tomambo said Isleta had hypertension but was on medicine for that.
“He loved everybody unconditionally. He was just a big brother to me,” reflects Tomambo. “My sister used to call him an angel because he was so generous.”
Isleta had been in the U.S. since 2006 when he started working at a hospital in Connecticut. He moved to Fresno in 2018.
Oliver Isleta at Sequoia Park. (Marilou Tomambo)
Steven
September 5, 2020 at 6:16 am
I’m sorry, but what is the point of this story, besides wanting to continue to spread fear and panic? 3 years ago when that bad virus came thru, a 27 year old died, did you run that story? Didn’t think so.
Rene Sanchez
September 5, 2020 at 6:42 am
It is sad to see another life lost to the virus. RIP Mr. Islete. To Steven, this story serves many purposes to people with different points of view. If your initial thought is “fear and panic” then the point is to remind you to keep your guard up by being mindful of your environment. Getting infected can be deadly. For most people, the amount of risk they want to take is ultimately their choice. We will get past this pandemic and learn a lot from it.
Onward and upward! Mr. Rene Sanchez
Bill Thacker
September 7, 2020 at 12:29 am
Not true covid 19 has a higher recover rate than the flu. Its not deadly . The fear mongers are what is deadly. About 7 tears ago fresno had an abnormal amount of elderly die from complications of the flu…barely a mention in local news.
Hypertension is a serious underlying condition. Your immune system us compromised and some medicines compromise your system more.
Marilou Payot
September 6, 2020 at 5:38 am
Rest in Peace Oliver Isleta
My condolences to the whole family
Jenny
September 7, 2020 at 9:19 pm
Our sincerest condolences to his family & workmates in this time. May our Lord strengthens you all & be filled w/his love & peace . I believed your Faith through Christ saved for ETERNAL LIFE AS PROMISED❤️ Enjoy life w/our creator❤️
Karen Harlow
September 16, 2020 at 11:10 am
Mr. Islete was a genuine hero in this pandemic which had taken so many lives. I am sure his loss will be mourned by the hospital staff, and all who knew him. I am sad for his lovely wife and young son who now do not have him in their lives. Mr. Islete’s tribute here is well deserved. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.