Sol B. Cea-Perez

The Life and legacy of Sol Cea-Perez

To Sol, family marked the very essence of life.

Her definition of family knew no bounds—she ensured that everyone who stepped through the doors of her home or medical practice felt welcome, loved, and a strong sense of belonging.

“Make yourself at home,” she would often say to guests—a sentiment she meant with every fiber of her being. An impeccable host who enjoyed gathering family, friends, and communities over lavish feasts, her face would light up with joy as she rushed over to greet you with open arms, pulling you into a tight hug that lingered just a heartbeat longer than expected.

Sol Cea-Perez, M.D., departed this world on January 24, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center, a place where she tirelessly provided countless patients with the same compassionate and loving care she had received. In her final weeks, she was lovingly surrounded by her three devoted sons, her daughters-in-law and her cherished grandchildren.

Born on December 19, 1940, to her beloved parents, Laurencio Sr. and Caridad Cea, in Tigaon, located in the Province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Sol took bold steps and defied many odds to realize her dream of becoming an Internal Medicine Physician, ultimately settling in the United States.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Colegio de Santa Isabel and the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. Following this achievement, she completed her internal Medicine Residency at Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center in the Bronx, NY.

Once her residency was behind her, Sol moved her family to Watertown, New York. There, she established a thriving private medical practice on Clinton Street, where she poured her heart into caring for her patients, forging bonds that often lasted long after her retirement. Alongside her private practice, she cared for her patients at both Mercy Hospital and Samaritan Medical Center, continuing her legacy of care and compassion.

In her retirement, Sol briefly relocated to Galloway, NJ, before ultimately settling in Syracuse, NY.

A devout Catholic, she found solace and community at Sacred Heart Church in Watertown and The Most Holy Rosary in Syracuse. To her family, friends, and everyone who crossed paths with her, a commitment to serving and caring for others marked the very essence of her life.

Affectionately called “Lola” (the Filipino word for grandmother)’ Sol was deeply devoted to her seven grandchildren. With the sun as her namesake, her radiant smile and warm heart illuminated everything and everyone she touched.

Over the holidays, Sol could always be found joyfully bustling around her kitchen, whipping up an incredible array of Filipino dishes---a culinary talent that carried over to all three sons Michael, John, and Eric. Guests knew to arrive at Sol’s home with an empty stomach; she always insisted on making each guest a plate of food, and there was no escaping her compelling invitations for second servings.

With an adventurous spirit, Sol reveled in exploring the world, traversing distant lands alongside friends and family. Her love for documenting her travels resulted in albums bursting with vivid memories—a passion that inspired her son Michael to pursue photography.

In her final destination, Sol leaves behind a legacy of love and stories of resilience and selflessness kept alive in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. She is survived by her three sons, Michael, Eric, and John, along with her daughters-in-law, Joanne, Kristy and Kelly. Her grandchildren—Hannah, Eric, Emily, Sam, Chloe, Mason, and Connor—were the shining lights of her world, alongside her grandson-in-law, Baily. She is lovely remembered by her in-laws, Leonardo and Rebecca Tiongson; Ronald and Kathy Ralg, her siblings, Sr. Rita Angela SSpS of Argentina, Luz Lygia, Laurencio Jr., Samuel, and Francis, along with several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends who became family.

Her family finds solace in knowing she is now surrounded by an abundance of love, along with her Lord. Reunited with her parents, she joins her sisters, Eva Madigan, an infant sister, her in-laws Carol and Bob Graveline, and many friends who undoubtedly welcome her with open arms.

Our heartfelt thanks

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated emergency department and the exceptional medical team on the 5th floor of the Pratt Building at Samaritan Medical Center, as well as the many medical providers who cared for her. The compassionate, dignified, and respectful care you provided to our beloved mother and Lola was a source of great comfort to us in this difficult time.

Your unwavering support not only focused on her well-being, but you also stood by us, guiding us through this challenging journey.

In loving memory

In remembrance of her life, calling hours will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Holy Family Church. We invite all those who wish to join us for a reception afterward; the exact location is yet to be determined.

Burial will take place in the spring at Brookside Cemetery, where we will commemorate her life and legacy.

If you wish to honor her memory in a meaningful way, we kindly ask you to consider making a donation to the Samaritan Medical Center Foundation, located at 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, or to Holy Family Church at 129 Winthrop Street, Watertown, NY 13601, or to the Church of the Most Holy Rosary at 111 Roberts Ave., Syracuse, NY

For those who would like to express their condolences, online tributes can be made to the family at www.dlcalarco.com. Thank you once again for your overwhelming support and compassion during this difficult time.

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