Obituary of Purificacion Espina

Purificacion Espina, 102 years old, of Fairfield, passed away on January 18, 2022.

She was born to the late Blas and Emilia Gungon on October 22, 1919 in Malabon, Philippines. She married the late Tirso Espina in 1942 and had seven children. She immigrated to the United States in the 1970s.

She is survived by five children : Rosario Espina Cruz, Gener Espina (Philippines), Dr. Elenita Espina-Lee of Fairfield, CT, Jesse Espina and Joselito Espina of Elmhurst, NY, son-in-law Romeo Lee, and daughter-in-law Relita Espina. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Edgar, Edwin, and Edel Espina, Ronnie and Rinno Cruz, Dr. Andrew Lee, Jeremy and Riley Espina and 11 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by Tirso Espina and daughters Carmelita and Zoraida.

Friends call her Puring or Pury. She is Lola to her grandchildren and all the other kids that she had helped raised. Nanay is such a loving mother and she treasured all seven of us. She was immensely proud of her children and their accomplishments. Mom was a devout Catholic and was an active member of St. Bartholomew's Church in Elmhurst, NY as well as Holy Family Church. Nanay was a pillar of strength that binds our family together. She touched a lot of lives through her kindness. She is an accomplished seamstress that she made it her passion to make clothes for religious images in our church in the Philippines. She even made her three daughters' wedding dresses! She is a great cook that if you come and visit her you would not leave with an empty stomach. On top of that she would insist that you bring home a brown bag that she had filled with goodies. My brothers and sisters are who we are because of all her sacrifices. She leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. We are so fortunate that Mother had shared 102 years of her full and blessed life with us. We thank you for everything you've done for us and for all the invaluable lessons you've taught us. We love you so dearly and we will miss you.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 AM in Holy Family Church 700 Old Stratfield Road, Fairfield. All other services will be private.

Family requests that donations be made to St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. For travel directions or to sign her guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com