Perla Juaneza Solinap

Dr. Perla J. Solinap, has gone to rest on February 10, 2025 at the age of 91. She will be reunited with her dear and devoted husband, Dr. Daniel T. Solinap. She was born in Iloilo City, Philippines to Rosario Pineda Juaneza and Daniel Juaneza on June 30, 1933. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph J. Solinap and Lea J. Solinap Laplace (son-in law, Peter Laplace) and her grandchildren, Celia Mercedes Solinap Laplace and Alexander Willard Solinap Laplace.

She grew up in Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines. She survived World War II and went on to complete college and medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She was planning to return to Iloilo to practice, but fate had other plans for her. She decided to travel to the opposite side of the globe, with several classmates (including Dan, her future husband) to complete her residency in Wilmington, NC. in 1959. Completely alone in a foreign country, these dear friends stuck together and experienced life as foreigners in the deeply segregated south. These experiences changed their lives. It made them strong, determined, resilient and open-minded. After completing training, Perla and Daniel returned to the Philippines, got married and had their children, Joseph and Lea. In 1968, they came back to the United States to practice medicine and to raise their family. They chose Norfolk as their permanent home.

Dr. Perla (as she was known to all her patients) started working with Drs. Ben and Meyer Steingold at the downtown plaza in Norfolk. Eventually she took over that practice and served thousands of patients over 40 years of practice. Medicine was her true calling and passion. She lived to serve her family, her patients and her friends. She wanted to work until the day she died. Her mantra was, “I live to work and I live to serve.” Even after retiring, she would come to work to see her patients and family and help in any way she could. One of her greatest joys and accomplishments was helping to start the Philippine Medical Association with many of her close friends and colleagues. They purchased a mobile home to provide medical care for migrants on the Eastern Shore.

She was incredibly generous and always hospitable. Her home was always filled with relatives and friends. She always helped anyone who was getting their start in America. There was never an empty plate or belly in her home. She was respected by her colleagues for her dedication to her patients and her clinical skills. She was loved by her patients because she would go above and beyond to make sure each patient got the proper care. She was loved by her staff. She helped so many young nurses start their careers and always supported them when they moved on. She taught her children and grandchildren to be dedicated, kind, hardworking and generous. She was a tiny but formidable powerhouse.

We would like to thank all her doctors for their excellent care, patience, and compassion over the years, especially Dr. Tom Manser and Dr. John Parker. Thank you to all the nurses at Gentiva hospice that have helped us care for mom over the past year. Thank you especially to Lilia Dela Pieza for caring for her so lovingly and always being there for the family. We are so grateful to all our friends and relatives who have shared our lives and helped us create so many lasting friendships and memories.

Celebration of her life will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens on March 1, 2025.

6329 East Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23502 Visitation 10:00 am to be followed by a Funeral Service and reception starting at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please take a moment to remember Perla or make a donation to your favorite charity.