"Manolita Gador Esperat, 99 years of age, returned to the loving arms of her Savior on April 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born in the Province of Negros in the Philippines, nearly a century ago to the late Alejandro and Rosalia Gador. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cesar Bazan Esperat Sr, their daughter Ruby Frelix (widow of Donald Frelix), and their son, Bobby, who lived but a day upon the earth. She moved from Negros to Manila to raise her family. Her eldest son, Chill, who had joined the US Navy, petitioned for both parents to emigrate to America. She eventually was naturalized and petitioned for her other children to eventually follow. "Lola Nolly" (grandma Nolly) as she was known to many, devoted her life to raising her children. She helped in raising some of her grandchildren as well and was further blessed by great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. As the matriarch of the family, she drew everyone together for celebrations and gatherings of many kinds. She was a consummate hostess who never let a guest leave hungry. She loved to sing and would also play the piano. She especially loved the hymn, "O Divine Redeemer" and specifically asked that it be played at her funeral. Many close friends have expressed the feeling of having been adopted into the family whenever Lola Nolly would spread a caring wing over them. She will be sorely missed by her family and all who knew her but her lessons and her memory will live on in our hearts for generations to come. Lola Nolly Prayed incessantly and knew her Lord and Savior well. She instilled this faith in her children and always gave God the glory. We know she rests well in the Father's embrace.
Survivors include her children: Cecilio (Coupled to Agnes Hortelano), Jaime (Married to Rose Esperat), Noel, Cesar Jr, and adopted son, John. Grandchildren are Jennifer Almendras (Married to Alex Almendras), Joanne Gonzalez *Married to Robert Gonzalez), Jamine Figueroa (Married to Rommel Figueroa), Andrea Lein (Married to Ryan Lein), Robert Esperat (Married to Alisa Esperat), Jaime Esperat Jr, AKA "Yubs" (Married to Jeni Esperat), Walter Esperat (partnered with Lindsey Paige-Herrera), Krista Jones (Married to Kevin Jones), Selena Frelix (Partnered with Dimori Rodriguez), Churchill Hotaling, and Danielle Frelix (Partnered with Miguel Ochoa). Great Grandchildren include: Johanna Gabrielle Gonzales-Dumawal (Married to Jethro Dumawal), Audrey Esperat (Partnered to Jake Palmatier), Julianne Nicole Gonzalez-Florendo (Married to Jayvee Florendo), John Zachariah Gonzalez Alexis Janina Almendras, Robertson Esperat, Guilliana Mindy Figueroa, Simeon Esperat, Anders Esperat, Hosea Jones, Jaden Gonzalez, Deandra Jamel Figueroa, Aslan Wallace Esperat, Theodore Jones, Sebastian Esperat, Beau Isaacs Jones, Josephine Magnolia Jones, and Yuni Majun Esperat. Great-Great Grandchildren are Diana Grace Dumawal, Maverick Daniel Dumawal, and Faye Elwood Palmatier.
The Family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 5-7 pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home located at 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Va.
A celebration of life will happen the next day, April 26, 2025, at 10 am at the funeral home. Entombment with follow immediately at Rosewood Memorial Park.
The family invites guests to enjoy refreshments back in the gathering hall of the funeral home following entombment.
Family and Friends may offer condolences at: www.kellumfuneralhome.com
