Celia Gotay Romero, 86, passed away, with her family by her side, on Sunday, October 11, 2020 to be with the Lord The youngest of five siblings, she was born and raised in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to the late Benigno Gotay and Candelaria Romero. A person of deep Christian faith, she was an active member of Parroquia Santismo Redentor church in Fajardo, Puerto Rico and attended the San Lucas (St. Luke) Catholic church whenever she was visiting her daughters in Virginia Beach. She was also an X-ray technician and supervisor for over 30 years in the local hospital in Fajardo, Puerto Rico where she retired from government service. A breast cancer survivor for almost 20 years, it would be inaccurate to say that Celia lost her four-year battle to the Pulmonary Fibrosis disease because she never stopped fighting it. No matter how fatigued or sick she felt, she was always determined to be the great, compassionate, loving Celia. When any other person could have given up, been broken, Celia stayed “fuerte” (strong). Though her struggles with first breast cancer and then pulmonary fibrosis, we all know what resilience, strength and perseverance truly look like. Celia just did not quit. She would help anyone in need, that was Celia. Those who had the virtue of meeting her, even once, knew they met someone special, someone that truly enjoyed her life. She made every moment special no matter where she was, no matter what country she was in. Whenever she entered a room, she gave that room life. She loved the beat of the conga and evening on her last day she moved to the conga rhythm played by her son-in-law Richard. A caring, loving, unselfish, compassionate, understanding, dedicated, loyal, friendly and fun person, her everlasting wish of having a great grandchild before leaving this world, became a reality in November 2019 when Xavier was born to her third oldest grandchild. This was a dream come true for her and the family. Left to cherish her memory is her beloved husband of 60 years, Albert Sorhaindo; daughters, Rose Blackmon and her husband Randy, Jacqueline Guzman and her husband Richard, and Celimar Irigoyen; grandchildren, Angel Mae Blackmon, Keith Blackmon and his wife Alyssa, Kristina Guzman, Andrea Blackmon, Gabriela Guzman, Alejandra Guzman, Cristian Irigoyen, Alanis Irigoyen, Leilianis Irigoyen; and great-grandson, Xavier Sivells-Guzman. She will also be remembered by numerous extended family members and dear friends in Puerto Rico, Virginia and Georgia. A mass of the Resurrection will take place at the funeral home on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 3:00pm Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kemspville Rd. Chesapeake. The family is inviting friends to pay respects to Celia and continue fellowship following the Mass from 4pm-7:30pm. Please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service if unable to attend and to leave a note of encouragement to the family.