Lolita Malicdem Layba was born on April 28, 1933, in the City of Tanuan in the Province of Leyte, Philippines. She grew up during the era World War II, where her father served as a Scout for the Philippine Army. She attended both Santa Catalina and St Mary's High School. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education from Women's University. She followed in the footsteps of her parents, Gudelia Malicdem and Godofredo Malicdem and became a teacher. She taught home economics at Rizal High School in Pasig City.She met Sulo Layba, at Rizal High School when he was on assignment with his company United Laboratories to vaccinate students. After a year and a half of dating they married May 4, 1960. A year later, eldest daughter Miel was born. The following year, the middle son, Leal, was born and five years later, daughter Mina.

Around 1970 the family including her parents immigrated to Los Angeles, California to pursue a better life. Her first job was as a server at Rob's Roast Beef on Pico Boulevard. Although her intent was to pursue her teaching career, the delay in civil service examinations led her to an opportunity to work for Prudential Insurance Company. She worked as an underwriter at Prudential for approximately 18 years. When the company transitioned out-of-state she worked for Weyerhauser Mortgage Company as a loan processor and retired in 1997.

Since her immigration to the U.S., the family lived in Los Angeles and Canoga Park. She moved to Santa Clarita in 1996 to care for her aging mother who passed away at 101 years old in 2014. She raised a number of cats and dogs. She loved gardening and was known for great harvests of persimmons and guavas. She was an avid window shopper and enjoyed long sessions of eating and playing Mah-jong with family and friends. In her later years, she spent her free time watching telanovelas on TFC, the Lakers and scrolling social media for funny videos.

She had an opportunity to travel throughout the nation and even ventured out to Canada and Hong Kong. Her favorite destination however was Las Vegas where she loved playing slots. Whether she was traveling or at home, she dedicated time each day to prayer. She leaves behind the love of her life of over 58 years, Sulo Layba, her children Miel, Leal and Mina; and her grand "babies" Christopher, Reanna, Isabella and Amelia.

Lolita passed away September 27, 2018, at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital in Valencia.