Arcelia M. Espiritu

Arcelia (Cellie) P. Montefalcon Espiritu returned to the home of our Lord on December 31, 2022.   She was born and raised in Cavite City, Philippines and was the first daughter of the late Bernardo Malaban Montefalcon and Fidela Plata Montefalcon. She graduated from the Philippine Womens’ University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and worked in the Norfolk Public School system for many years as an Administrative Secretary/Financial Administrator. While working full time as a mother and wife, she continued to pursue additional education graduating Cum Laude in Education Studies from Tidewater Community College. She retired after 25 years from Norfolk Public Schools.   She was a member of the Filipino-American (FIL-AM) and Eucharistic minister at St. Pius X Catholic Church; Cavite Association of Virginia; Cavite City Families; the Association of Educational Office Professionals of Norfolk (AEOPN); and many more organizations/activities.     Those left to cherish her memory are Emilio (Romy) Espiritu, her loving husband of 60 years; her children: Bernadette Waechter, MD and her husband, Jeff, CDR Emilson Espiritu, USN (retired) and his wife, Linda; her grandchildren: Lauren (Clay), Emilson II (Ashley), Gabrielle (Alec), Madison, and Donovan; and her great grandchildren: Giovanni and Keira.     She is preceded in death by her brothers Rodrigo P. Montefalcon, Igmidio P. Montefalcon and sisters Ligaya M. Mercado, Teresita P. Montefalcon, and Corazon M. Delfin.   A Celebration of Life will be held January 10, 2023 at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Norfolk, VA with a viewing an hour before at the Church, followed by entombment at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.WoodlawnNorfolk.com.