Cecilia Astudillo Smith

Dr. Smith earned her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines, in 1957. She completed her pediatric training at Michael Reese Medical Center in Chicago and began practicing in Riverside in 1976. She continued in private practice until her retirement in 2018. Her commitment to improving medical care also led her to earn a Master of Medical Management from Tulane University.

A member of the Riverside County Medical Association (RCMA) and the California Medical Association (CMA) since 1976, Dr. Smith served as RCMA president in 1999, becoming its third woman president. She held numerous leadership roles within RCMA and on hospital medical staffs, including serving as chief of staff at Parkview Community Hospital. At the state level, she represented physicians as a CMA delegate for many years and served as vice-chair of CMA’s Organized Medical Staff Section in 2004. In 2007, RCMA honored her with its Outstanding Contribution to Organized Medicine Award.

Dr. Smith’s influence reached beyond Riverside. In 2003, she was instrumental in developing RCMA’s sister-city relationship with Jiangmen Central Hospital in China. The relationship led to numerous exchanges, bringing physicians and administrators from Jiangmen to Riverside and sending RCMA delegations to Jiangmen. She also played an important role in expanding RCMA’s medical scholarship program, helping it grow into the program it is today.

Through her practice, leadership, and commitment to connecting people, Dr. Smith made a lasting contribution to Riverside’s medical community. Her legacy lives on in the physicians she supported, the partnerships she helped build, and the thousands of children she care for, helping them grow and thrive.

Cecilia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lieutenant Colonel George Washington Smith Jr.

She is survived by her seven children and their loving spouses: Hilario Marilao MD and Susan Marilao, Carmen Marilao-Monroe and Charles Monroe, Victor Marilao and Susan Elizabeth Peterson Marilao, Pinky Marilao, Maria Isabel Fabi and Benjamin Fabi Jr., Victoria Marilao Williamson, and Ariel Marilao and Eloisa P. Molas-Marilao

She is survived by her twelve grandchildren and their loving spouses: Jonathan Marilao MD and Captain Katelyn Marilao MD, Matthew Marilao, Hayley Marilao, Jason Marilao, Paolo Cristobal and Paola Vazquez Cristobal, Anna Mariel Mendoza and Martin Mendoza, Angelica Opalka and Aaron Opalka, Andrea Cristobal, Justin Fabi and Rachel Fabi, Kyle Fabi and Neacy Fabi, Lawrence Andrew Williamson, and Lianna Marilao. She is also survived by her five great-grandchildren, Amina Cristobal, Emma and Ellie Mendoza, and Ansel and Layla Opalka.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Riverside County Physicians Memorial Foundation, Tax ID 95-6080778, P.O. Box 2425, Riverside, CA 92516.