Junnette Tayko Refugia, 62, Flandreau, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2020 at Sanford USD Medical Center. Junnette was born on June 8, 1958 in Siaton, Negros Oriental Philippines to Dionesio Palador and Cecilia Tayko and adopted by Bautista Tayko and Catalina Villamil. Junnette attended East Visayan Academy in Cebu, Philippines and later received her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Mountain View College in Buludnon, Philippines. She was a member of the graduating class of 1979 who referred to themselves as the "Icons." The Icons would move to all corners of the world, but still managed to stay close, including a recent reunion cruise in the Caribbean. To this day, her classmates continue to refer to her as the "Nightingale." While working in Saudi Arabia, Junnette gave birth to her only child and her most prized possession, her daughter Karen. Junnette and Karen later moved to the United States, including stops in Bakersfield CA, McAllen TX and finally in Flandreau South Dakota which she would call home for the next 20 years. Junnette became a staple and matriarch of the Flandreau Filipino community where she was greatly loved and referred to by all as "Ate Junnette" or "Mama Karen." She will forever be remembered by her family and friends for her selflessness, her sense of humor, and her extreme devotion to the Word of God. She remained positive and optimistic through all of her health issues while working as a nurse at Riverview Manor in Flandreau and supporting her daughter Karen. Junnette recently became a Grandmother to three beautiful boys. She felt so blessed by the Lord that she was able to meet them, even though she was taken from them far too soon. Her family and friends are comforted that she is no longer in pain, and that she was ready to be with the Lord, whenever her day should come.

She is survived by her daughter Karen Werner (Ryan), and her grandsons Giles Werner, Harrison Werner,  Theodore Werner, sister Jubilee Gaje, nephew Gheddy Gaje, niece Gelden Gaje and her brothers Mishael Tayko and Dionesio Tayko. Junnette is preceded in death by her parents Bautista Tayko and Catalina Villamil, her sister Violeta Tayrus and brother James Tayko.

Rev 21:4 – "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the Flandreau City Band Shell. Please bring your own lawn chair. Masks and social distancing is requested.