Zenaida "Zeny" M. Suazo

Zenaida M. Suazo (née Monteagudo), affectionately known as Zeny, passed away on August 24, 2024, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. She was born on March 15, 1936, in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines. Zeny, with her pioneering spirit moved to the United States at the age of 32, initially leaving behind her husband and three young children to establish a foundation for a better life for her family.

Zeny was a dedicated financial analyst at Guardian Life Insurance Company from 1968 until her retirement in 1997. Her career was marked by the same tenacity and selflessness that characterized her personal life. Despite the demands of her job and a long commute from Long Island to New York City, she always found time to cook homemade meals for her family every night. This is a testament to her loving and nurturing spirit. Zeny took great joy and pride in cooking and feeding others.

Zeny pursued higher education at Laguna College, where she studied Business Administration and Accounting. She utilized these skills throughout her admirable career. Her faith played a significant role in her life; she was a long-time member of Our Lady of Mercy in Hicksville, NY, and later at St. Francis by the Sea in Hilton Head. She was actively involved in prayer groups, made several pilgrimages to other countries, and served others in the USA and in the Philippines, embodying the values she cherished.

Zeny is survived by her husband, Camilo; daughter, Milinda Ceglia (John); daughter, Mildred; daughter-in-law, Maria; grandchildren, John Peace (Crystal), Matthew Peace (Daria), Sara, and Sophia; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Gavin, Emma, Bella, and Raphael. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Milissa, and son, Milzen. 

Services to honor Zeny’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Viewing will take place at The Island Funeral Home and Crematory at 4 Cardinal Road, Hilton Head Island, SC, from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. This will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church at 45 Beach City Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC. The burial will take place at Six Oaks Cemetery in Hilton Head Island, SC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Francis by the Sea https://www.stfrancishhi.org or The Filipinos In America Today (FIAT), a medical missionary organization aiding a community in need, in honor of Zeny’s life of faith and services.

FIAT is administered under the guidance of Bishop Efren V. Esmilla. Checks payable to FIAT can be mailed to: FIAT Sto. Nino Mission, St. James the Great Parish, 8320 Brookside Road, Elkins Park, PA. 19027.