Obituary of Lilia S. Guzman

Dr. Lilia S. Guzman, 89, of Glenville passed away peacefully on March 31, 2020 at her home with loving family members at her side. She was a graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, College of Medicine & Surgery, Manila, Philippines, followed by specialty training at Fordham Hospital, Bronx, New York. She then came to Ellis Hospital as a Teaching Fellow in Internal Medicine, and worked as a full-time physician in the Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology until her retirement. She was a member of the American Medical Association, a fellow emeritus of the American College of Chest Physicians, a member of the Schenectady Medical Society and a recipient of the Notable Americans of the Bicentennial Era Award. She loved poetry and writing. She is survived by her brother, Rolando S. Guzman, Sr. and his wife Estrella; her sister, Lourdes S. Guzman and husband Mohamed; her nephews, Rollie (Tina) Guzman, Angelo (Barbara) Guzman, Joel Guzman, PH; Jose (Regina) Guzman, Jose (Cherry) Guzman, Joel (Jennifer) Guzman, her cherished grandchildren, Anthony and Emily, Kristine and Nate, Tommy, Morgan, Lorenz, Marian, Dylan, Mirabella, her great-granddaughter, Esmeralda; and several other cherished relatives who will always remember the kindness of her heart, and predeceased by her brother Rogelio S. Guzman and his wife Josefina, and beloved nieces Luna Rosa and Rowena. We will all miss “Tita Lily” dearly; her motherly affection - ever so thoughtful, giving, caring and loving. Always thinking of everyone before herself. Having immigrated to the United States in 1959, she paved the way for those of us who followed. We are thankful for her unconditional support when we were starting out and the life experiences that she made more meaningful—from holidays, birthdays, graduations, to all the family celebrations at her home. Everyone was welcome! She was the center of the family, which is her precious legacy that we treasure and will preserve. She taught us to value the small things that matter, loved her cat “Hitchy”, and was always generous. At her passing she leaves us this message: Dear Family, Relatives and Friends: Do not mourn for me Or perhaps miss me a little Life was good to me With faith, guided by the Lord above I was happy and comfortable Enhanced by everyone’s existence But we all have to go Just one after another As I depart, I leave you this message: Live life caring and loving one another Forgive minor differences – a stigma of our humanity; avoid hatred and anger Be understanding and forgiving Love always – you will be strong and happy! In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Ellis Hospital. Due to COVID-19 health concerns, services are private for the family. Interment will be at Memory Gardens, Colonie. Memorial services will be held later in the year for relatives and friends when it is appropriate.