She was born in Manila, Philippines, the middle child of seven to Dr. Delfin 0. So and Araceli Samia So. One of her claims to fame from her youth was being a Duncan YoYo champion, winning with her "Rock the baby" trick. She earned her Bachelor's in chemistry at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines in 1968. She immigrated to the United States 1970 and settled in Cleveland, OH. She was employed at Case Western University as a microbiologist where she met and married the love of her life Jose S. DeGuzman in 1973. They traveled and raised a family, eventually settling in Chattanooga, TN in 1979. Blessie loved to cook, tell jokes, dance, and spend Saturdays with her beloved potluck group. She was known for her baked goods and would gift them to her children's teachers, neighbors, and friends alike. Lately she loved watching the deer in her backyard and sending jokes out on her ipad to family and friends. She made lasting friendships with people she met along her journey and will be sorely missed by many. She loved being a mother to her three kids, the fun aunt, the glue to the big Filipino family, and most of all the Lola to her beloved Brooklyn.
Blessie was a parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church and had previously sang in the 12:15 choir.
Blessie was preceded in death by her parents Dr Delfin 0. So and Araceli Samia So, her brother Delfin So Jr, her sisters-in-law Zenaida DeGuzman and Felicissima DeGuzman, and brother-in-law Carmelito Villaraza.
Left to cherish her memory and wait for their day to see her again are her husband of 49 years, seven months and six days, Jose S. DeGuzman; her children Joseph C. DeGuzman, Jocelyn M. DeGuzman (William Lewis) and Jonathan P. DeGuzman; her favorite granddaughter Brooklyn Lewis; siblings Felisberto So, Joventino (Corine) So, Elizabeth (Cynthia) So, Ferdinand (Jasmin) So, and Evangeline Villaraza; along with numerous adored cousins, nieces and nephews.
A mass to celebrate her life will be held on Monday, September 12, 2022 at noon at St Jude Catholic Church, 975 Ashland Terrace, Hixson TN 37415 with Father Charlie Burton officiating. Private entombment will be held at a later date at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be held the hour before mass starting at 11am.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org
Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153 Hixson, TN. 37343.
