Purificacion Espejo Fajardo

Purificacion "Puri" Espejo Fajardo, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 89. Born on December 9, 1935, in Manila, Philippines, Puri's life was marked by devotion to her family, her faith, and her profession.

Puri embarked on her journey to the United States as a student, where she continued her education across many states, ultimately settling in California. It was there that she met the love of her life, Romero Lim Fajardo. Despite having many suitors, Puri knew her heart belonged to Romero, with whom she shared nearly 60 joyful years of marriage. Together, they raised a loving family, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories.

A brilliant student, Puri earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Far Eastern University at the St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing. She passed her Nursing Boards in Manila in 1957, beginning a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse that spanned nearly 44 years. Puri's compassionate care and exceptional skills as a Labor and Delivery Nurse at Portsmouth Naval Hospital were widely recognized and praised by her colleagues. Her supervisors often commended her outstanding work ethic, her ability to remain calm under pressure, and her unwavering dedication to her patients and team.

After retiring in January 2001, Puri devoted herself to her family and her many passions. She was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. Her love for gardening not only provided nourishment for her family and neighbors, but also brought her immense joy and tranquility. Puri's garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit, with her children fondly recalling her fig tree, tomatoes, and persimmons.

Her culinary talents were renowned among her friends and family, especially her delectable lumpia and pancit. Later in life, she began crafting hummus with her son Dale, coming close to perfecting the recipe. Puri's kitchen was always a warm and welcoming place, where she took great pleasure in cooking large meals for her grandchildren, ensuring they were always well-fed and cared for.

Puri is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Romero Lim Fajardo, her parents Liberata B. Espejo and Juan B. Espejo, and her sister Ana Turla and brothers Abraham Espejo and Moises Espejo. She is survived by her son Dale Fajardo and his wife Letty, her daughter Verna Ibarra and her husband Alan, her three cherished grandchildren, Lily, Andrew, and Matthew as well as her loving siblings, Natividad Realica, Grace Basat, Nieves Bator, Lydia Hunckler, David Espejo, and Daniel Espejo. Though time and distance may have separated them physically, the love they shared as a family remained strong and lasting. As devoted grandparents, Romero and Puri took great joy in helping to raise their grandchildren, creating bonds that will endure through generations.

A viewing will be held at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Puri will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Autism Society Tidewater Virginia (https://www.tidewaterasa.org/) which helps improve the lives of all affected by Autism in Hampton Roads and/or the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation (https://www.aao.org/foundation), an organization dedicated to advancing eye health and preserving sight through education, research, and service.

Puri's life was one of love, generosity, and humility. Her steadfast faith, tireless dedication to her family and nursing career, and her gentle spirit touched all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of her loved ones forever.