Dr. Modesta A. De Guzman

Dr. Modesta A. De Guzman, age 87 of Canton passed away on October 7, 2024.

Modesta was born on November 4, 1936 in Aringay, La Union, Philippines to her parents Rita (née Balangue) and Ildefonso Avena. 

She is the beloved and devoted wife of the late Napoleon De Guzman, Jr.; loving mother of two children – Cheryl (Mike) Desjarlais and Edwin (Jeanine) De Guzman; proud grandmother of Noah De Guzman, Isabella De Guzman and Bernard Desjarlais. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her siblings Josefina Avena, Teresita (Percival) Ostonal, Alicia Avena, Eduardo (Theresa) Avena and Ildefonso Avena, Jr.

Modesta attended the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines where she earned her Doctor of Medicine degree. She resided in Michigan as a Psychiatrist for Wayne County in Michigan. 

Modesta loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She held a special place in her heart for them and enjoyed a unique relationship with each of them. She loved their conversations and learning all about what was going on in their academic lives as well as their fun activities outside of school with their sports and music and the time they spent with their family and friends. 

Modesta loved to travel with her husband Napoleon and her kids and they took many family trips together. Upon retirement she took many trips around the world with Napoleon. 

Modesta was an excellent cook. She delighted in preparing meals for family and friends. And just like her dedication to caring for her patients while on-the-job, cooking for family and friends was another way of doing something good for others. 

She was an avid Detroit sports fan and loved watching the Detroit Lions. She would always ask what time the game was and what channel it was on this week. The last couple of seasons were especially enjoyable and exciting for her. 

She loved watching TV and movies, listening to music, and reading her books. She liked keeping up with the news of the day. She wanted to stay informed and kept up-to-date on everything from local news to global issues in order to enrich her knowledge. She especially enjoyed watching Fox News most of the time.

She loved playing Mahjong and would play with her friends sometimes all night long. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed a game of Mahjong with her once in a while. She worked for many years in the field of psychiatry and Modesta knew that Mahjong is a brain game for ALL ages that can sharpen your mind as it relates to strategy and can train concentration skills. But no matter if you were winning or losing a hand, there was always laughter at Modesta’s table.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. 

Visitation will continue Saturday, October 12th at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, Michigan beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. 

Those who wish to honor the memory of Dr. Modesta A. De Guzman are invited to consider a contribution to a charity of their choice.