She was born 11/14/30 in a small province called Pinaranda Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Her father is Lt. Colonel Ambrosio Lacuna. He was in the Philippine Army, as well as a dentist in public life. Her mother is Salud Aves Lacuna. She graduated with a business degree.

Nerissa graduated from the Medical School at University of Santo Thomas in Manila. She continued her training at Lutheran Deaconesses Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. She was the first female physician in the Minnesota Medical Association. She started private practice in Spring Valley, WI with her husband, Dr. Alex. In 1998 they moved to Las Vegas, NV. In 2013, she moved to Irvine, CA.

She was preceded in death by her son, Arne. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Alex; and children Alex Jr., Alner, Aissa, Ariel and Arlene; 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild.