Patrocinio Josef Guanzon, M.D.

Patrocinio (“Dr. Pat”) Cruz Josef-Guanzon, M.D., of Danville, Va., a cherished pediatrician and beloved family matriarch, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Dec. 2, 2025. Born to her parents, Diokno M. Josef and Belen Cruz Josef, who preceded her in death, she broke barriers as the first female Filipino doctor in Danville, dedicating her life to the care of countless children and their families.

Dr. Pat completed her medical education at Univ. of Santo Thomas in Manila, Philippines, her internship at Suburban Hospital (Bethesda, Md.), and her residencies and fellowships at Queens Hospital Center, Mary Immaculate Hospital, Metropolitan Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Flower-5th Ave. Hospital (NYC) and St. Mary’s Hospital (Waterbury, Conn.). Known for her vibrant personality, social nature and profound sentimentality, Dr. Pat was a cherished friend, confidante and mother figure. She was an animated storyteller, often bringing laughter with adult humor, and found delight in playing Mahjong with friends. She had a tender heart, often moved to tears by the sentimentality of Hallmark TV commercials. Dr. Pat was always ready with an encouraging word, and had a great enthusiasm for life and an enduring love for her community. She was a Paul Harris Fellow and, with her husband, enjoyed her retirement by traveling abroad, especially to attend the Rotary International conventions. Her other cherished pastimes included spending time with her husband at the beach, indulging in a little "retail therapy", playing the piano and tending to her orchids.

Dr. Pat is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Dr. Cesar S. Guanzon; her sons, Michael C. Guanzon, Esq. (Danville), Dr. Angelo P. Guanzon with his wife, Anna V. Guanzon (Lynchburg), Dr. Mitchell J. Guanzon (Miami) and Dr. Matthew J. Guanzon with his wife, Dr. Verna C. Guanzon (Lynchburg).

She leaves behind her adoring grandchildren: grandsons Ethan, Cole, Apollo, Nikko, Connor, Logan, Pompeii and granddaughter Orion.

In Danville, she is also survived by her nephew Rembert F. Josef, his wife Eleanor and their children, Carmela and Jeremy. Other surviving nephews and nieces in the US include Yvette F. Josef, Christina J. Angeles, Czarina J. Angeles, John Paul Josef and their families. Back in her homeland, Dr. Pat has three siblings who survive her, Clarita C. Josef, Fely J. Angeles, Esq., Arturo C. Josef and Victoria J. Guzman, their spouses and their descendants.

Family visitation will occur on Sunday, December 7, at 3 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 538 Central Blvd., Danville, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, 510 Church Ave. Guests are invited to a reception at the Danville Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in her memory.