Dr. Yolanda Jacinta Yalong Tecson

Dr. Yolanda Jacinta Yalong Tecson (Santos), age 82, of Weston, Florida, formally of Centerville, Ohio, peacefully went home to the Lord on November 17, 2024. She lived a beautiful and dignified life, embodying grace, elegance, and compassion. A discerning woman with exquisite taste, she provided comfort and solace to all who knew her while asking little in return.

Her husband, Dr. Teofilo Tecson, whom she lovingly called “Darling,” “D,” or “Love,” adored her. Together, they built a life grounded in faith and joy, raising their children -- Joyce, Jenny, and Mike -- with values rooted in love, integrity, loyalty, compassion, and a deep trust in God. Yolanda’s unwavering faith guided her every step and continues to inspire her family, having instilled in them a confidence and zest for life that was reflected in her boundless grace and devotion.

Yolanda was born on February 6, 1942, in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to the United States in August 1967. She graduated from medical school in 1964 from Manila Central University, where she met the love of her life, Dr. Teofilo Tecson. They married in Chicago on March 22, 1969, and their 55-year union served as a testament to their enduring love and unwavering devotion to each other. They lived in Chicago, New Jersey, and Akron before eventually settling in Centerville, where they raised their three children and built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Yolanda’s children embody the finest qualities of their beloved mother, reflecting her strength, kindness, and deep love of family she modeled throughout her life.

Yolanda had a distinguished medical career, serving at St. Mary’s Hospital in Manila and Edgewater Hospital in Chicago. Her steadfast dedication and compassionate care impacted the lives of thousands of patients. She was admired as a respected colleague, a treasured friend, and an enduring source of inspiration to all who knew her.

Yolanda embraced life with enthusiasm and zest, finding joy in the simple and meaningful moments that brought her closer to her loved ones. She had a love for shopping, tennis, and travel and was always eager to explore new places. Hilton Head Island in South Carolina held a special place in her heart, where she spent cherished moments walking the beach, fishing, crabbing, and expertly casting a shrimp net -- a passion she joyfully shared with her grandchildren during countless treasured days by the water. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she created lasting memories with family and friends. Enjoying Yolanda’s famous spaghetti was a beloved tradition, often prepared with love and shared around a table filled with laughter and warmth.

Yolanda’s greatest joy came from her family, especially her grandchildren: Grant, Christina, and Gregory Chapman (Joyce); Gabriella and Victoria Rosario (Jenny); and Lauren and Luke Tecson (Mike). Whether sharing her passions, offering endless love, or proudly doting, she cherished every moment spent with them.

To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother of a vibrant, loving family. Her dramatic and generous personality, unwavering love, and selflessness endeared her to everyone she met. Yolanda’s faith and commitment will remain a lasting source of inspiration for her family, friends, and patients for years to come.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Teofilo Tecson, Jr.; three children, Joyce (Cary) Chapman, Jenny (Jose) Rosario, and Mike (Michelle) Tecson; and seven grandchildren, Grant, Christina, Gregory, Gabriella, Victoria, Lauren and Luke. Yolanda was preceded in death by her father, Jesus Yalong, and mother, Josefina Santos Yalong Alino.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers at the Palace at Weston for their support and compassionate care, in particular, Antonia, Bertha, Elisa and Maria.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate Yolanda’s life with a Memorial Mass held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, in Davie, FL 33325.