Merlinda Bandiola Esperancilla

Born and raised in The Philippines during the difficult years of World War II, Merlie’s early life was shaped by resilience, courage, and perseverance. She witnessed firsthand the hardships and terrors of the Japanese occupation—experiences that forged a quiet strength and compassion she carried throughout her life.

Her mother died during the Japanese bombings of the islands when she was three years old. Her father died only a few years after. Merlie was taken in and cared for by her two older sisters and nearby relatives.

Merlie was a bright, lively student subsequently receiving a scholarship to attend the University of Santo Tomas. Founded in 1611 and placed under the royal patronage of the Spanish monarchy in 1680, it is the oldest existing university in Asia. In this prestigious and historic institution, Merlie dedicated herself to the study of nutrition and became a licensed dietician. This calling to care for others would define much of her professional and personal life. It was also at the University that she met her future husband, who was studying International Relations.

Merlie was the beloved wife of Robert (“Bob”) Esperancilla, who preceded her in death in 2008. Together, they built a life rooted in family, service, hope and faith. In 1968, after Bob immigrated to the United States and secured housing and employment, Merlie followed with their children, Marie Lilibeth and Roy Francis. The three arrived at JFK Airport on July 4, 1969. Once reunited, the family eventually settled in Brooklyn, New York, where both Merlie and Bob worked at Brookdale Hospital—Bob in admissions administration and Merlie as a practicing dietician. So keen and astute was her knowledge that she was encouraged to teach resident physicians the significance of nutrition, diet and medical care. Merlie was also a staunch advocate of her patients and never hesitated to speak up when necessary.

After five years of permanent residency, the long, complex, and expensive process of becoming U.S. naturalized citizens came to fruition. Merlie and Bob passed the language and civics test; and their young children were learning English exceptionally fast. It was an especially proud and meaningful milestone that fulfilled a long-held dream of building a future through opportunity and hard work. Still, although they were college-educated and held professional degrees, as immigrants, they felt the sting of not being fairly acknowledged. Merlie worked by day and attended classes at New York University to prepare for the licensing exam in nutrition that would qualify her for accreditation in NYS and the United States. Their youngest daughter, Cheryl Anne, was the first in the family born in the United States.

Merlie and Bob were also founders of Kahirup USA, a not-for-profit grassroots philanthropic organization dedicated to giving back to the Visayan region, their ancestral home in the Philippines. The group organized several fundraisers, including annual galas held at NYC’s Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria, through many generous sponsors. The proceeds funded the construction and maintenance of an orphanage and school in the island of Negros Occidental.

After retiring, Merlie and Bob relocated to Palm Coast, Florida, where they became deeply involved in their community and at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church and its Knights of Columbus chapter. Even in retirement, Merlie continued her vocation, serving as a consultant dietician to elderly residents in nursing and assisted living homes. The couple loved to watch the sunrise at nearby beaches as often as possible, then later enjoy “Early Bird” dinners and end their day viewing glorious sunsets on the beach. Their years in Florida were happy ones.

Following Bob’s passing, Merlie moved to Woodbury, Minnesota, to be closer to family and help with the care of her youngest grandson. She is survived by her children and her grandchildren—Brendan Esperancilla, Ariel (Esperancilla) Holfshouser, Kathleen (Katie) Wicks, Glen Bob Anderson, and Spencer Edelstein—and by the many lives she touched through her kindness, service, and steadfast faith even during the most difficult times of her life.

Merlinda will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered in the hearts of those who knew her. Her resilience and quiet strength to carry on in dark times are the legacy she leaves behind.

The family of Merlinda Esperancilla wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for her loving care and support during her dementia years by the first-rate and compassionate staff members of: Beacon/Hometown Senior Living Facility, (more recently) Prelude Home and Services; Bluestone Physicians, Gentiva Hospice Care, Transfiguration Catholic Church, and St. Ambrose Roman Catholic Church and Community.

In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts, in memory of Merlinda Bandiola Esperancilla, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate