Norberto Garcia DeGuzman
June 6, 1933 ~ March 10, 2023
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
Norberto G. De Guzman, MD, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Lettie Medina De Guzman, of 60 years; his 2 daughters, Carmen Sessoms and Kirstin De Guzman; his son-in- law, Jean-Claude Sessoms; his grandchildren, Giovanni Sessoms, Martin Sessoms and Gabriella Rork. He is also survived by his sister, Catalina Moore, and numerous brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Eliseo and Veronica De Guzman; his siblings, Marcelina, Vicente and Jaime; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Florencio and Carmen Medina; brother in laws, Ernesto Medina, Kelly Medina, Florencio Medina, Jr Florencio Isagani Medina III and Danny Cavanaugh; and sister in laws, Mila Torroba, Sayoko Medina, Dinell Medina and Sarah Medina.
Norberto lived to 89 years loving his family, friends and his profession. He received his medical degree from Manila Central University and OB/GYN Fellowships from University of Vienna by the American Medical Society of Vienna followed by a second at Haddasah Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Following completion of his fellowships, he was a staff physician at the University of Vienna and then the Medical Director of Labor and Delivery at the US Army 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany.
He settled in Atlanta with his family. As a foreign medical graduate, he had to requalify and train for his US Medical Licensure at Georgia Baptist Medical Center. He had his own private practice with staff privileges at several metro Atlanta medical centers, but primarily served his patients at Northside Medical Center for 40+ years before retiring in 2005. His patients loved him and frequently greeted him around Atlanta at the mall, restaurants or church. Many of his patients were generational as well. He was a parishioner at All Saints Catholic Church for over 40 years and was a regular for decades at the Sunday 10:30 am mass sitting in the fourth pew on the right. He was generous and mentored many college and medical students providing internships, jobs and opportunities.
During his retirement years, he remained active as a Physician Consultant in OBGYN Services at the Claremore Indian Hospital in Oklahoma and as a Board of Governor for YONKOFA Project, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization providing sustainable healthcare in third world countries.
He was proud of his daughters and grandchildren and the first to brag about their accomplishments. He loved them and shared many memorable moments with each of them as they were growing up. He always said he was lucky to live in the same city just a few miles apart from his daughters and grandchildren. He also loved meeting up with his friends sharing stories especially after Sunday mass for lunch. He was proud to be American, but proud of his roots and beginnings in the Philippines.
A celebration of life mass will be held on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 2:00 pm at All Saints Catholic Church at 2443 Mt Vernon Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338. We request everyone to wear pink and/or baby blue to commemorate the 60+ years he delivered babies into our world.
In lieu of flowers please donate in the memory of Norberto De Guzman, MD to either:
1. Northside Hospital Foundation
https://give.northside.com/ways-to-give/donate/
2. All Saints Catholic Church
https://allsaintsdunwoody.org/giving/
3. Yonkofa Project
www.yonkofa.org/donate/
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Q: What will you miss most about Norberto?
A: How him and Tita Lettie took me in and loved me as their own when i was younger. I can’t thank you enough. You will be sorely missed!!
Condolences to the DeGuzman family . We will miss the friendship we have for over 40 years being neighbors in the Dunwoody / Sandy Springs area , being both parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church , being both of us active in the FilAm community in Atlanta . Missing our Sunday lunches after mass. Rest in Peace Noli , our prayers for your soul. Koko & Nini Trinidad
Q: How did you meet Norberto?
A: I met Dr. Norberto DeGuzman through my friend Jean-Claude, Carmen’s husband. JCS, Carmen and I went to same college. I have known this beautiful family since I was going to college. I have known the DeGuzman family to be loving and caring. I remember when they invited me for Thanksgiving gatherings, I loved the conversation I used to have with him; he was such a beautiful soul and gentleman. I am very grateful to have known him. The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude – may his soul RIP.
I was fortunate enough to grow up with my Lolo, Lola and mom under one roof. I’ll forever miss getting picked up from school in his beloved gold Mercedes convertible and heading straight to McDonald’s to get m&m mcflurries; unbeknown to my mom who we instead told that traffic delayed our return.
Some of my earliest memories with my Lolo and Lola are listening to the same Frank Sinatra album every Sunday on the way to All Saints with the three of us singing each lyric together, never missing a beat. Since the beginning of our years of watching American Idol, he repeatedly “joked” in his melodramatic sarcastic tone that his only life’s wish was for me to win American Idol one day. Really what he wanted was for me to come out of my shell and to pursue music outside of the confines of my bedroom. I thank him for my love of music and enduring Atlanta 5pm rush hour traffic to take me to my weekly Wednesday guitar lessons.
During his life he taught me life’s most important lessons: to be kind, to be appreciative of life’s gifts, to keep family close, to work hard for your dreams and lastly, that laughter was the best medicine a doctor could prescribe(along with Vicks, sprite and cup of noodle). Even in his last days on this Earth he spread laughter to his caretakers and our family.
I’ll remember him in every James Bond movie, every Frank Sinatra song, every ear of corn and boiled peanut and every selfless act. I feel blessed to be able to refer to this inspiring and brilliant man as my Lolo. More than my grandfather, he inspired me to pursue a life of selflessness by the way he lived, serving and loving others. He is a role model and my hero.
Noli was the best husband any woman could have asked for. He was loving, caring and understanding.
I miss you so much Noli. Thank you for the love you gave me. You will always be in my heart. Until we meet again my love.
Noli, Ich liebe dich ….immer und immer. Du bist meine liebling!
Much Love and Prayers for the DeGuzman family.
Dr Nolie was a wonderful person, He was a very kind person, He had a great personality, And treated me like Family, To Me he was like a Bounus Uncle to me, my most sincere condolences to Tita Lettie, Nina, Carmen, John, Gabriella, Giovanni and Martin you’ll be missed a lot.
Dear Tita Lettie, Carmen, Nina and families,
Our hearts goes out to you and your families. Words fail to express my deepest sorrow for your loss. I know how painful it is to lose a loved one. Allow time to heal you and fill your minds with beautiful memories of Tito Noli. We can only wish you peace, comfort and courage to face the difficult days ahead. Even though we cannot join you, our prayers are always with you and know that we care about you and share in your sadness.
Much love,
Tess and John
RIP Tito Noli
Doctor Noli was a wonderful father in law to me. Even after Nina and I split he never treated me any differently. I always admired his devotion to his immediate family as well as his family back in the Philippines.
Ill miss us comparing who was dressed better and his subtle humor.
My daughter Gabriella was blessed to have such a wonderful Lolo.
Ill miss you Dr. Noli.
Chris Rork
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dearest Nina and family, Our thoughts are with you on this difficult day. Mike & Ariane
Q: How did you meet Norberto?
A: I was blessed to meet Dr De Guzman in high school through, Kirstin, his daughter. He loved his family and bringing babies into the world. Dr. DeGuzman had a great sense oh humor and was great with a punchline. He was a blessing in my life, and I will always remember him with love.
Love always,
Lisa Lynott
To Lettie, Carmen, Nina , & Family,
It was a shock to learn about Noli’s passing, I ve known him through Fil-am events and PAMAG but lost touch after I moved to Virginia 6 years ago. I just assumed everyone in my circle of friends will be around forever. We’ve been around so long one thinks we’ll outlive those we know , but I know we will follow him soon and I’m grateful that we’ve lived so long to see our grandchildren and be part of their lives, which I think Noli had appreciated also, so rest in peace my friend , we will always remember ❤️
Noli is an excellent Dr. with à gréât sense of humor. He was also like a father to me when I lived with them for a few weeks in Dunwoody. He loved life, parties and was a good host. He was inseparable with the only love of his life, Letty. His memory will stay forever in our hearts. Peace be with you: Letty, Carmen, JC, Nina and all the grandkids. Though we are far, you will always be close to our hearts. Tight hugs. Dr. Benjie & Peachie Alimurung, Kyle and stefi. ♥️
Thank you Dad for the love you always showed me! I miss you and am comforted knowing that you are in heaven waiting until the day we meet again. I love you always. I will carry you in my heart forever.
My deepest condolences! Love, Bill
RIP Tito Noli 🙏🏻❤️ Although I don’t have memories of you when I was little, I’m glad and thankful I was able to meet you in my adult life. Regret that we didn’t get close but know we will do our best to have a better relationship with your kids. Thank you for everything that you’ve done for your family and for chaperoning my Mom in your teenage years 😊 I know you’re in a better place with our Lord and with your parents and your siblings that went before you. You will surely be missed. ❤️ Rosanna De Guzman Moore Bonus and family
I will be forever grateful to the DeGuzman, Sessoms and Rork families for always making me feel like part of your family. I’ve known Dr. DeGuzman for 40 years. He and his family were my family away from home, welcoming me to many family gatherings in college and beyond. I will always remember the fun times we shared and the advice provided over the years.
3 Words: Popeyes Fried Chicken
Yes, this is what we loved 💕
💗💗💗
Madeleine Garcia Burroughs (that crazy kid that hung out with Nina all the time)
Please know that we send our heartfelt love and condolences to Dr. De Guzman’s wife, Lettie, Carmen, J.C., Nina, children, and extended family. He lived a long and meaningful life caring for his family and patients. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Warmly,
Gina and Wayne Elowe
My idea of “summer” will always be colored by my childhood memories of cookouts at Tita Lettie and Tito Noli’s house — of inihaw chicken, pancit and sparklers on the Fourth of July. Tito Noli was larger than life — a great physician, a loving father and a wise-cracking uncle. As the years passed, he always greeted me with sage advice delivered with a dash of humor and a poke in the ribs. I feel privileged to have had him as an influence on my life, and all my love goes out to Tita Lettie, Carmen, Nina and all of their families.
— Terrance Medina
Thank you Dad for always loving me and being there for all of us. I will carry you in my heart always. I love you.
Words can not express our love for Kuya Noli. He was a kind and jolly person – so easy to talk to. This is such a moment of sadness knowing that we will no longer hear his voice. Eddie and I will miss you. Rest in peace in heaven!
Dr. and Mrs. DeGuzman welcomed me into their family when I was at Emory with Carmen. I have wonderful memories of Sunday lunch with the extended family, weddings and celebrations. Those days were filled with great food, pranks and winks and lots of love. I will always remember how proud he was to be a husband, father and helper. Much love to all from your extra daughter and friend always.
Remarks of Remembrance
I’m honored to speak in remembrance of Dr. Norberto de Guzman today. He was so much to so many people: son, loving husband, Dad, Lolo (grandfather), Kuya (brother), Tito (uncle), friend, colleague, doctor, mentor, Filipino American, and faithful Catholic. I’m one of his many nieces and nephews, so I’ll refer to him as Tito Noli.
Tito Noli’s dedication to his family, his medical profession, and his faith,
was evident in how he lived every day.
As an Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Tito Noli’s missions were to improve the health of his patients and help bring new lives into this world. He underwent extensive international training from Manila, Philippines, to Vienna, Austria and to Jerusalem, Israel. Then he was a practicing physician at the University of Vienna and later served as Medical Director of Labor and Delivery at the US Army 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany. However, in order to continue practicing after moving to Atlanta, Tito Noli had to requalify and do additional training for his US Medical Licensure. And he did.
Even after retiring with over 60 years of service, 40 plus of which were in Atlanta or the nearby Northside Medical Center, he still had more to offer. Tito Noli continued on as he actively consulted for OBGYN services in Oklahoma and also served as a Board of Governor for the YONKOFA Project, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization providing sustainable healthcare in third world countries.
Over this long career, he was also a teacher and mentor, training so many in his field and generally in life. He even tried with me, allowing me, as a young teenager, to accompany him and observe some of his surgeries and deliveries. It was an incredible experience, thrilling, and eye opening.
One of my first jobs was an assistant at his clinic. There, I was witness to Tito Noli’s tireless devotion to both his patients and his faith in prioritizing the sanctity of life. And in that spirit, before his death, Tito Noli requested that today, we all celebrate life, not just his life but all the babies he’s delivered, by wearing pastel pinks and blues.
I have so many memories of Tito Noli because he was a major fixture in my childhood, and I want to share just a couple more to highlight his character and generosity of spirit. I think we can all recall being greeted by Tito Noli, whether it was at his house or a Filipino-American Association (FilAm) gathering or even here with his fellow parishioners. He would do so with his big booming voice and give some outrageous compliment. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome and special.
My favorite memory was when I was 15, just after I got my learner’s driving permit. When he heard this, Tito Noli said to me, “Oh, Geneeh, you can drive? Come on, you can drive my car!”
My instant reply was, “What?! No!” I was shocked and terrified, because back in 1991, ‘his car’ was the fanciest car I knew of. Many of you might remember it – his sporty, two-seater, gold, convertible Mercedes Benz.
He just waved off my concerns, grabbed his keys and put me in the car. After settling in and adjusting the driver’s seat as far forward as it would go, I realized I was too short! At full stretch my toes could just barely tap the brake and gas pedals. So no, I did NOT get to drive his car.
Perhaps it was for the best, but whether or not I got to drive the car is actually irrelevant. What truly mattered was what I learned from him that day: trust in people, be supportive and charitable. I’ve carried all these experiences with me and they have helped shape who I’ve become and I’ve had no regrets, only gratitude. And I am only one of countless recipients of his kindness and generosity.
My closing words are for Tito Noli, on behalf of all of us here and those who could not attend:
Thank you.
We love you.
We miss you.
And you will live forever in our hearts.
(Pictured: Fritz, Tito Noli, Geneeh)
We met Dr. Norberto De Guzman and his wife Mrs. Lettie De Guzman in 1989 in a grocery store in Spalding. They were very nice, caring, friendly and welcomed us to Georgia .
As the years goes by, we’ve been together going to PACCGA meetings and of course parties, barbecue with families, lobsters from Maine, eating out- especially duck, attempted walking in the mall for exercise , and so many fun times. .
Dr. Noli De Guzman guided me when Cris had surgery. He showed us concern, love, and care.
He always had a rosary and a scapular.
You will always be in our hearts.
Thank you tito for all the help and support you gave to Inay, tita celing and tito jimmy. RIP tito noli and say hi to my tita, Inay and tito jimmy. You will always be forever in our hearts 🙏
To my Ninong— thank you Tito Noli for sharing your warmth, joy and laughter with me over the years. You’ve always been such a big presence in my life growing up, and for that I am thankful. You always opened your home to everyone, giving us a place to convene and share so many memories together.
Thank you for so many things— for insisting that I mano you, as you were the only one to maintain that greeting/tradition…for always keeping the pool clean, I for some reason always imagine you cleaning the pool in your black leather slippers….for giving me my first job at your OB/GYN clinic— it’s always an interesting ice breaker factoid to share…for your silliness at the dinner table and flipping over your eyelids to scare the kids…and for always belting out your rendition of My Way like no one was listening, but we could all definitely hear you. You lived your life Your Way, and for that we are thankful.
We will remember you always!
Fritzy-boy
Met uncle Noli when I was staying with the Sessoms in 2019. He is such a joy to talk to, with many wonderful stories of his life in Atlanta and the interesting things he had to handle as an obstetrician. He is always dressed so well for dinners, even if it means going just a few houses away. I will miss uncle Noli, I wish his family the best always.
Thank you Tito Noli everything and traveling all the way to Scotland to be a Ninong for our wedding!
Norberto, Noli to us and I was married for almost 65 years. We have two daughters, Carmen and Kirstin , Carmen and her husband, Jean Claude Sessoms have two handsome boys 🙀. Giovanni and Martin , Gio works f
I miss you very much Noli. I donot know what to do anymore. When I am in our room I always look at your pictures and I feel your love and it gives me peace but it does make me cry but I can’t help it because I miss you so much . You don’t know how much I miss you and love you Noli. When is your contract ending ? Please do not renew it anymore, We are getting old already and we donot know who will go first I want to spend my last few years with you Noli if you would like to do it too. I have been missing you so much Noli I hope you will consider doing it but if you don’t want to do just let me know at titiisin ko nalang. I love you always,
Norberto G.De Guzman was a very good Doctor he was loved by his patients and his employees. Norberto was equally loved by his wife Lettie, daughters Carmen and Kirstin and son in-law Jean Claude Sessoms and his grandchildren, Giovanni and Martin Sessoms and our beautiful granddaughter Gabriella Rork. We all miss you Noli and hope to be together someday, we all miss you and will always love you . Take care of yourself always we love you and hope we will all together again soon my love. I love you always Noli until we meet again
My love. Take care of yourself for now and always ,until we meet again. I will love you forever Noli,