Dr. Ceres Espiritu, 79, died peacefully in the company of her children on May 28, 2019 at her son’s home in North Lindon, Utah after a long illness.

Ceres was born on September 24, 1939 in Gumaca, Quezon, Philippines. She graduated medical school at the University of the Philippines in 1964. She did her residency in pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Ceres became the associate director of the Department of Genetics and Child Development as well as a professor at the Children’s Hospital in Michigan. Ceres and her family moved to Port Arthur, Texas in 1975 where she had a successful private practice as a pediatrician for many years. Her husband, Dr. Edgardo Espiritu, was a general surgeon and hand surgeon. Ceres and her husband enjoyed skiing, dancing, playing tennis and traveling. She loved to garden and knew the scientific names of most plants and trees. Edgardo and Ceres were very active in their church. They raised 3 children: Eddie Espiritu, Jr., Joy Packard and Emmeline Packard and were blessed with over 20 beautiful grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Ceres was known to her family and friends as good- natured, kind and generous. She will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019. Please contact a family member for details.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Belenda, Stan and David, her grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her five siblings: Rosario, Marie, Bert, Tony and Annie and their spouses: Vladimir, Jimmy, Sonia, Lou and Ivan.