Obituary of Lourdes S. Guzman

Lourdes S. Guzman, of Nanuet, NY passed away peacefully on August 22^nd, 2020 at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital. Born in Manila, Philippines on March 26^th, 1943, she was the youngest daughter of Nicanor and Rosario Sanchez Guzman.

She graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class at Santa Catalina College.  She attended the University of Santo Tomas, Manila where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, cum Laude. After immigrating to the U.S. in the 1960’s, she worked at Ellis Hospital and taught at Union College in Schenectady, NY. She later became the head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City.

She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Aedan’s Parish, Pearl River, NY.  She loved hosting family gatherings, always making sure the spread was plentiful, especially for the kids.  

She is survived by beloved brother, Rolando S. Guzman, Sr. and his wife Estrella; her nephews, Rollie (Tina) Guzman, Lito (Barbara) Guzman, Joel Guzman, PH; Jose (Regina) Guzman, Jose (Cherry) Guzman, Joel (Jennifer) Guzman; beloved grandchildren, Anthony and Emily, Kristine and Nate, Tommy, Morgan, Lorenz, Marian, Dylan, Mirabella; her great-granddaughter, Esmeralda; and several other cherished relatives and friends who will always remember her hospitality, thoughtfulness, and generosity.

She was predeceased by her sister, Dr. Lilia S. Guzman, her brother Rogelio S. Guzman and his wife Josefina, and beloved nieces Luna Rosa and Rowena.

She loved writing and poetry. In her passing she leaves us this message, found on her desk at home:

One day at a time . . .

            This is enough.

Do not look back and grieve over the past

            For it is gone.

And do not be troubled about the future

            For it has not yet come.

Live in the present and make it so beautiful

            That it will be worth remembering.

We will all miss “Tita Vil” who helped many of us make the U.S. our home.  We will always be grateful for the meaningful ways she touched our lives and those of our children.  

Services will be held privately at Memory Garden Cemetery under the direction of the DeMarco Family of Glenville Funeral Home in Scotia-Glenville, NY.  

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