Delia Lagata Esguerra ("Lola"), beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, entered into eternal rest on December 6, 2025, in Largo, Florida, at the age of 84. Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1940, in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Philippines, Delia lived a life defined by faith, sacrifice, generosity and joy. She was a Christmas child whose life became a lasting gift to her family and all who knew her.

  A proud graduate of the University of Nueva Caceres with a B.S. in Education, Delia first served as a home economics teacher. After immigrating to Largo in 1992, she served her new community as a certified nursing assistant, caring for others with the same compassion she showed her own family. She worked tirelessly to give her students and children greater opportunities and an education, always putting their needs first while rarely — if ever — asking for help. Though she often endured hardship and pain, she bore it with quiet dignity and never complained.  

Delia was warm, humorous, and hardworking. Her strong faith in God guided her through life’s trials and nourished her gentle spirit. She loved to cook for family gatherings, tended her garden with patient care, and found her greatest joy in the faces and laughter of her grandchildren — truly, they were her world. She remembered with gratitude those who offered help, even if she seldom accepted it.  

Delia was preceded in death by her parents, Ignacio, and Gliceria Lagata; her husband, Virgilio Esguerra; daughters Ruth Goltl and Gina Tawzer; and son Noel Esguerra.  

She is lovingly survived by her sister Helen Gabito; her children Emma (Ancel) del los Santos, Leah (Scott) Thisse, and John (Beverly) Esguerra; grandchildren Esther Delle, Johnathan, Mekaylah, Jazmine, Anthony, Ethan, Hazel, Nathan, and Patrick; and great-grandchildren Logan and Beckham. Her legacy is one of steadfast love, quiet strength, and generous service. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her sacrifices and comforted by the many memories she created with them.  

Delia’s celebration of life and interment will be on January 3, 2026 at 10 am at Indian Rocks Baptist Church, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774.

Gifts in her memory may be made to a faith-based or education charity of choice.