Obituary of Dr. Flor Tecson-Tumang

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Dr. Flor Tecson-Tumang, 83, of South Orange, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025. Born on June 30, 1942, in Zamboanga, Philippines, she was the eldest of ten children and a woman whose life overflowed with love, service, and unwavering faith. She earned her Doctor of Medicine and Surgery degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, a foundation that would lead to a lifetime of service to others.

Flor felt called to serve since her youth. She loved mission work and once dreamed of joining a convent, but after the passing of her father, she made the courageous decision to journey to the United States to help support her family. Through medicine, she discovered a new kind of mission work — one rooted in compassion, healing, and a profound devotion to others.

Flor began her distinguished career at the VA Medical Center in 1970. Over the next 34 years, until her retirement in 2004, she served veterans with steadfast dedication. Many of those years were spent as Chief of Infectious Diseases, where she became a guiding force and a source of strength to patients and colleagues alike. During the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, Flor stood at the forefront, caring for patients with uncommon courage, dignity, and tenderness at a time when fear and uncertainty were widespread.

Her influence extended beyond her clinical care — she authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed medical publications, contributing essential research in bacteremia, antimicrobial therapy, and opportunistic infections.

In 1979, Flor married the love of her life, Ricardo Tumang, with whom she built a home filled with faith and joy. She was a devoted mother to Marie Celeste (and Jeffrey Atienza) and Richard Francis, and a doting grandmother to Emily Marie, Jacob Jeffrey, and Beatriz Rey — the treasures of her heart.

Her personal pursuits included a love of music, through her singing and vigorous piano playing. And her nurturing spirit revealed itself in the flourishing garden she tended with such care.

A proud and active member of the Filipino community, Flor served as President of FAMA (the Filipino American Medical Association) and as a leader at the Philippine American Cultural School at Seton Hall University, helping to preserve and celebrate the richness of Filipino culture, education, and identity.

She is survived by her beloved siblings: Bella Tecson, Maria Vida Tecson, Cynthia Seda, Alma Scamardella, Donato Jesus Tecson and Melodia Tecson along with many nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives were touched by her compassion and strength.

Flor’s life is beautifully reflected the spirit of the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, whom she held close to her heart:

“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.”

After a lifetime of service, love, and unwavering faith, Flor passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025, with her children by her side. She leaves behind a legacy of grace, humility, and profound generosity — one that will be forever cherished and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Viewing and Funeral information can be found at www.prestonfuneralhome.net