It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Dolores Cuenca (Tita). She was a beloved doctor, friend, sister, and a wonderful Aunt and Great Aunt during her incredible 86 years of life. She passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in her home leaving behind many relatives, friends, and former patients who loved and adored her.
Born on March 31, 1936, in Lipa City, Philippines to Anacleto Cuenca and Regina Villannueva. Tita is the youngest of three children. She was pre-deceased by both her parents and her siblings, Leandra Vergara (Gaudencio) and Bernardino Cuenca (Milagros).
In 1960, Tita graduated a valedictorian from the University of Santo Tomas Facility of Medicine & Surgery in the Philippines.
She initially wanted to open her practice in Connecticut. Luckily for us, and due to the hospital's strict requirements there, she ended up moving to Albany and joining Dr. Jasper's practice. She devoted her life to Internal Medicine and to her patients. Tita practiced medicine for forty-nine and a half years. Like any old-fashion doctor, she was making frequent home visits to her patients' who could not get to her office on Madison Avenue in Albany. She retired from her practice on July 1, 2022.
Tita was an avid collector of porcelain dolls, paintings, clocks, and Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" dolls. She loved to garden, watch old classics, listen to classical music and Elvis Presley, and travel.
She is survived by her two nieces and their families in the U.S. Sonia (Nelson) Maralit along with their children and grandchildren, Sherwin (Caroline) Maralit and Finnegan, Sheryl (John) Lashoff and Konnor and Karina, Sheila (Dave) Bunting and Natalie, and Shariza (Robert) Knox and Brenna and Brayden. Chona (Ramon) Esmilla and their children Larissa and Christine.
Tita, it broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. Part of us went with you, wherever you may have gone. You are the light that has guided our family for so many years. That light has been extinguished, and we feel so lost without you. Heaven is so far away, and so we must take comfort in knowing you are there, watching and guiding us from above. Rest easy now and do not worry about us, for we will see you again someday.
Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet on Friday, March 24, 2023, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Mass will be held at Saint Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Road, Latham on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 10:30 am.