Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To Whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day, be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Soledad Espinosa Araya, M.D., 80, of Beverly Hills, Florida passed away on December 13, 2020, surrounded by the love, comfort, and prayers of her family. Throughout her journey, Soledad touched many people and changed many lives. She was thoughtful, humble, and generous, and she devoted herself to her family, friends, and faith.
Born in Sariaya, Quezon, The Philippines, Soledad was the second daughter of Felix and Anicia Espinosa. Best known as “Sollie,” she brought her family great pride when she graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in Manila in 1963. Not only a hardworking student, Sollie was also recognized for her poise, beauty, and grace when she was crowned “Fiesta Queen” during her hometown’s annual summer festival.
On January 16, 1967, Sollie married Esmeraldo M. “Duds” Araya. Just three years later, with vision, courage, and infant daughter Stella Michelle in tow, the young couple left the comforts of their homeland for possibility and promise in the United States.
The Arayas first settled in Gardner, Massachusetts, where Sollie accepted a Doctor of Psychiatry position at Gardner State Hospital. Several years later, Araya roots were planted in Newtown, Connecticut where Sollie signed on with Fairfield Hills Hospital. A respected physician, Sollie ultimately joined the Psychiatry Department at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT, where she dedicated over 25 years of service.
Though she had many professional accomplishments, Sollie’s greatest pride was her family. With Duds, she achieved the “American Dream,” providing an idyllic childhood for their children, Stella, Eric, and Melissa. Flawlessly balancing the demands at the hospital and at home, Sollie displayed a boundless energy that could never be contained. Whether it was folding a fitted bed sheet or rolling the perfect lumpia, Sollie was impeccable and precise in all she did. And, she encouraged that precision in those closest to her. Sollie always instilled “good values and right conduct,” stressed the importance of handwritten thank you notes, and provided unwavering support for those she loved.
In addition to cherishing her family time, Sollie enjoyed celebrating holidays and traveling the world with her longtime friends, The VACSPRL Group. She loved ballroom dancing and was a fierce competitor at mahjong and canasta. Sollie was also an active sports fan, and often caused a loud raucous while watching basketball and tennis.
In January 2017, Sollie and Duds celebrated their milestone Golden Wedding Anniversary in The Philippines. The couple renewed their marital vows at San Agustin Church in Manila, the very church where they married 50 years prior. For Sollie, it was a glorious landmark occasion to share with her friends and family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Sollie was a true Angel of God who lived a life of devout faith. She was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Church while living in Newtown, CT. In her retirement, she belonged to Our Lady of Grace parish in Beverly Hills, FL. With her husband and friend Vener Antos, who became her caregiver, Sollie joined the Legion of Mary, faithfully sharing her spirit at nursing homes and with many others throughout the community.
Sollie leaves behind her husband of nearly 54 years, Esmeraldo M. Araya; her daughter, Stella Araya Weil and her husband, Christopher Weil and their daughter, Valentina; her son, Eric Araya; and her daughter, Melissa Avanzato, her husband, Diego Avanzato and their sons, Enzo and Luca.
It is Filipino custom to gather in solemn and respectful prayer for nine days following a loved one’s passing. Upon her transition, Sollie’s family and friends gathered virtually and celebrated her life with a series of nine masses that featured almost 50 tributes. These celebrations were organized by the Araya family’s cousin, Monsignor Gerry Santos of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Manila. In honor of Sollie’s 40th Day, Msgr. Gerry will preside over a final virtual mass scheduled for January 22, 2021, and through the kindness of longtime family friend, Dr. Marietta Sonido, an early morning mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, CT.
For further information, kindly contact either Stella, Eric, or Melissa
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