Rita D. Vergara

Rita D. Vergara, M.D., age 82 years, passed away May 21, 2022. She was born February 29, 1940, in the Philippines to the late Cir iaco and Primitiva (Guerrero) Diaz. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Far Eastern University in Manila in 1966.

Rita emigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1971. With nothing but a suitcase and her education, she eloped with her husband, Cawilie, to start a new career and family in Toledo. She practiced medicine in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her medical career was spent at Mercy Hospital, the Medical College of Ohio, and the University of Toledo student clinic. She was commended for demonstrating genuine care for the welfare of her patients.

A proud mother and grandmother, Rita found her greatest joy in devoting time to her family. Rita had a passion for high fashion and shopping at Jacobson’s department store. She is remembered for hosting Christmas & New Year’s Eve Parties at her home, where she would always have beautifully decorated Christmas trees and lavish buffets. She loved spending time with friends and was active in the Filipino community where they enjoyed bowling league, potlucks, and the annual Sampaguita Ball. She also enjoyed cooking and her grandchildren declared that she made the best adobo in the world!

Rita was a world traveler. She and her husband’s travels ranged from every state in the United States and province in Canada to Europe, China, Japan, and Russia . They had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved exploring the many cultures around the world. They particularly enjoyed sampling new cuisines and appreciated the history and architecture of the places they visited.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Alexander (Kelly), Bernadette (Michael Rubin), and Christopher Vergara, and grandchildren, Ella, Sophie, Maya, and Talia Rose. Rita was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Cawilie G. Vergara, M.D . in 2014; and her siblings, Dante, Agusto, Ebett, and Lourdes.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, June 1, 2022, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where the Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 2, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania. Interment will be private.

Donations in Rita's memory may be given to the National Kidney Foundation.