Zerline Mae Justado Esmer
February 13, 1971 ~ January 12, 2023
Born in:
Pasay City, Philippines
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Surrounded by family in her Hamden, CT home, Zerline Mae Justado Esmer, 51, passed away early Thursday, January 12, 2023 due to complications from stage IV breast cancer. She began her battle with her disease in 2010, when she was first diagnosed with stage I breast cancer. After a decade of remission, she was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer in December 2020. She is survived by her husband, Rogelio Esmer, 55; her three children, Kristina Esmer, 23, Julian Esmer, 20, and Justin Esmer, 19; her siblings Antonio “Joe” Justado, Jr., 53, and Jennifer Justado, 50; and her miniature schnauzer Tucker, 13. She is predeceased by her mother, Ardena Causing Timonera, her father, Antonio Natividad Justado, Sr., and her eldest brother, Alfredo Tonard Justado.
Born on February 13, 1971 in Pasay City, Philippines, Zerline made her way to the United Arab Emirates to further her career as a nurse. There, she met and married her husband Rogelio in Abu Dhabi, where they had their daughter Kristina in 1999. The family of three made their way to the United States in 2001, where they first resided in New York, later moving to Connecticut. Zerline’s sons Julian and Justin were born in New Haven, CT in 2002 and 2003, respectively, and the family has since resided in Hamden.
Zerline found a community within the New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Haven. Her hobbies included playing piano, singing, and cooking. Growing up, she and her siblings were involved in their church’s choir. Her love for music led her to encourage her own children to pursue music as well, in and out of the church. One of her greatest passions, however, was her devotion to helping others.
Her 19-year-long career as an OR nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital remains a hallmark of the generosity that defined her life, and now her legacy. Zerline dedicated her life to helping others and loving fiercely. She instilled these same values and sentiments in those around her, both at work and in her personal life. Co-workers remember Zerline as a special soul, describing her as someone who brought a bright and passionate energy with her every time she showed up to her shifts. And working earnestly alongside family and friends, Zerline was also an instrumental part of the OurKids4KidsVision, a non-profit organization that provides humanitarian relief to impoverished communities in the Philippines.
Friends are invited to join Zerline’s family for a wake on Saturday, January 21 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home (2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518). A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Zerline’s 52nd birthday on Monday, February 13 at 9:00 am at the New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church (355 Humphrey Street, New Haven, CT 06511).
Services
Visitation: January 21, 2023 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Memorial Service: February 13, 2023 9:00 am
New Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church
355 Humphrey Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-776-6646
Zerline was a bright and shining star, working with her at Yale New Haven Hospital , she always wore a warm and welcoming smile. I also had the pleasure of working with her husband Roger Esmer a, we both met working as Radiology Technologists at Yale, he too always had an infectious smile always. I later introduced Roger to my husband and they became like brothers. We will miss Zerline but we will always be here for you Roger and family for you guys have become our family! My husband John Ross and myself Sheila Brooks- Ross offer our sincere condolences at this most difficult time!
Rest in peace Zerline.
Zerline was just one of the sweetest, most kind souls I had ever met. She will never be gone as long as we don’t forget her. That for sure, will not happen. As long as our memories live, Zerline will live in our memories. My deepest condolences to all of the family.
Margaret
I had the pleasure of working with Zerline in the OR at Yale for 5 years. That career isn’t an easy one and can often jade one’s character….however Zerline was one of the kindest souls I have ever known and always had a smile on her face
Your bright smile .Your cheerful spirit. Supportive and loving. Friend and coworker.These are my words to describe such a beautiful person Rest in peace Zerline You well be missed😔💕
I am so lucky to have personally known you,
You are the sweetest and the most selfless person I have ever met. Miss your sweet voice every time you answer the phone. Heaven must have been celebrating you. Rest in peace my friend. Mahal ka namin.
Venus ( Vinok)
Zerline was a kind, sweet, respectful, helpful, pleasant, delightful-to-work-with soul. I was one of the physicians who worked with her in the Operating Room regularly. I always knew I was in for a good day when she was assigned to our room because she made everything run smoothly. She was extraordinarily dedicated. She knew her stuff.
If I miss her as just a co worker who was lucky enough to share space with her for a few hours a day and got to see how special a person she was, I can only imagine the depth of sorrow and loss for her family. To her family: I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
I am reminded of the quote, “How lucky am I to have something [someone] that makes saying good bye so hard.”
You will be missed
Rest in peace Zerline
I love you so very much.
Love
Jay
Rest in peace in God’s arms . You will be missed
You will always be in our heart tita ❤️ We love you always! -Tolet, Nikko & Ellie
Zerline is a beautiful person inside and out. She can be the light to your dark moments and the sunshine on a gloomy day. She is a kind, sincere and respectful person to everyone around her. Everyone loves her and will miss her. To Zerline’s family, it’s difficult for us to understand the pain and sorrow you’re going through right now. Grieve if you must. We, Zerline’s friends will be praying for you and always willing to help should you need us. We’re so lucky to have known and worked with Zerline. We will always cherish her memories and her legacy. Rest in Peace Zerline.
My family and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Roger, Tin, Julian and Justin .My family and I will always be here for you. Stay close to Jesus, the resurrection and life! 🙏🌹
To Our Earth Angel Zerline we Thank You
Zerline Thank You for your Spirit will Live throughout all Eternity 🕊️ Looking Forward to joining all who Love you every Full Moon . . .
Praise God for creating you and for leaving a beautiful legacy behind for your family and everyone who knew you.
Praying for peace and comfort over the Esmer family! God bless!