OBITUARY
Esther G. Espiritu
August 16, 1931 – January 4, 2018
Ester Lagrosa Golingco Espiritu, a long time military wife and business owner, of Norfolk, VA, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2018, at her home after enduring the debilitating effects of a long illness. She was 86.
Esther was born on August 16, 1931, to Pedro and Antonia Lagrosa Golingco in Tabaco, Albay, in the Philippines. She graduated in 1956 from University of Santo Thomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
On January 3, 1960, she married Nemesio F. Espiritu, Sr., who proudly served the US government in military and civil service. He retired in 1990 after serving in the US Army, the US Navy and the US Post Office. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on January 3, 2010. He died in 2011.
Esther was a librarian and a General Electric employee. She was the owner of Filipinana, the first Filipino restaurant at the Waterside Marketplace from 1983 - 1996. She expanded the business into private catering, food for the Navy, and outdoor festivals, including HarborFest and the Coors Town Point Jazz Festival.
She was a member and organizer in the Bicol Association of Tidewater, the San Lorenzo Spiritual Center of Virginia Beach, and the annual Penanfrancia Festival.
A dedicated and loving mother, Mrs. Espiritu is survived by her five children: Noel Espiritu of Chesapeake, VA; Emily Espiritu of Montgomery, AL; Elsie Bishop, her husband, Bill, and their children, William and Emma of Raleigh, NC; Jeffrey Espiritu of Chicago, IL; and Nemesio F. Espiritu, Jr. of Norfolk, VA.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. A Mass is scheduled at 11:00 am on Monday, January 15, 2018 at St. Gregory's the Great Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the American Stroke Association (https://donatenow.heart.org). Mrs. Espiritu will be interred at the Rosewood Memorial Park alongside her husband.
Services
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Visitation
Sunday, January 14, 2018
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Funeral Service
Monday, January 15, 2018
Memories
Esther G. Espiritu
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYFaith Luna
January 12, 2018
Dear Emily, I am thinking of you and your family in this time of loss. You will have your memories to sustain you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Condolences and love from your friend
Mary and Page Clements
January 12, 2018
Please know we are thinking of you. Remember your memories are your treasuries. With love, Mary and Page Clementsh
David Bunch
January 12, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived! Sending much love...
American Stroke Association
January 12, 2018
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Teresa Parfitt-Forman
January 11, 2018
I am sorry to see the passing of your mom. Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. She will live on forever with your memories shared throughout her life here.
God Bless you all-
Kerry Yates
January 11, 2018
My life is richer having been a part of yours. We now have another Angel watching over us until we are united once more.
Amy Albers
January 10, 2018
Sending Prayers for Gods strenght and comfort at this sad time. Remembering auntie with her great smile and strong presence in her family.
Roy Zarate
January 10, 2018
Our love and condolences to the family whom we known since high school.
From the Zarate Family
Angela Washington
January 10, 2018
What a blessings to have your mother for 86 wonderful years. May the Lord Bless and Keep you all!
Barbara Stachurski Preston
January 9, 2018
Her love is all around you ... made more powerful with your father's hand on her shoulder.
So dream in peace, she is still with you.
Blessings of Love and Memories,
Barbie
Tim & Alice Roco
January 8, 2018
May you rest in peace Manay Esther.I have been praying for you for the last 5 years.You are now in peace.May the Blessed mother with the angels and saints met you on your way to see the Creator.
Tim & Alice Roco