Diana Vinzons Espaldon

Dr. Diana Vinzons Espaldon, 86, of Chicago, IL peacefully joined our Creator on October 5, 2024. She was born in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines on July 13, 1938 to Fernando Sr. and Aurora (nee Pimentel) Vinzons.

Diana lived a purpose-driven life as a physician. After graduating with a medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1962, she completed her residency training in pediatrics at the Harlem Hospital in New York City. Immediately after her training, she traveled the world with her two best friends - an adventure she talked about for years. After she completed her travels, she returned home to Daet where she opened a pediatric clinic located next to her childhood home.

In 1974, she met her late husband, Dr. Felipe Espaldon, in Daet and married him shortly thereafter. In 1975, she moved to Chicago to join her sisters, Cecilia and Vida. She spent her whole professional life in Chicago working for the city’s Department of Health West Town Clinic until she retired in 2001.

In addition to being a physician, she was a doting mother to her only son, Philip and to Dominga, her youngest sister who she raised like her own daughter. She was a loving mother-in-law to April, who she welcomed as another daughter. She was a supportive sister to her eleven siblings, who she cherished greatly. She was fondly called “Tita Didi” by her many nephews and nieces. Of her many roles, her favorite was being “Lola Didi” to her grandchildren, Sophie and Penelope, with whom she loved spending her last years.

Diana was a devout Catholic who practiced her faith. She made friends with everyone she met and had a gift for remembering people’s names. She was a generous person who gave to many charities and made sure that everyone had a birthday and Christmas present from her. In her retirement, she renewed her love of international travel and cruising with her husband and her sisters. Her love of flowers and gardens was well known by all. As she continues her journey into paradise, we imagine her dancing with joy amid the beautiful flowers in the heavenly garden.

Diana is survived by her son, Philip Espaldon (April); grandchildren, Sophie and Penelope; siblings, Liwayway Chato (Wilfredo), Vida Vinzons, Benjamin Vinzons, Zilda Alejo (Bayani, late), Nadia Arceo, Charity Vinzons, and Dominga Vinzons, and by her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Felipe, and her siblings: Fernando Vinzons Jr., Cecilia Vinzons, Marte (Luisa) Vinzons, and Marcia Vinzons.

A visitation for Diana will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625. A funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at St Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 3546 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60657. A graveside service will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660.