In Loving Memory of Dr. Evangeline Ecarma

Life Remembered: Dr. Evangeline ("Babie") Delgado Ecarma

Born on January 23, 1943, in Cebu City, Dr. Evangeline ("Babie") Delgado Ecarma was the eldest of five children born to Fidencio Delgado, a police captain, and Felicidad Delgado, a beautician and beauty salon owner.

Inspired by her local physician from a young age, she pursued a career in medicine. She excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from the Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT) high school. Beyond her studies, she was socially active, even being voted Miss Freshman, the Filipino equivalent of Prom Queen. She completed both her undergraduate and medical degrees at CIT, graduating in 1966.

Dr. Ecarma continued her medical training with a residency in pediatrics at St. Mary's Hospital in West Virginia. In 1967, she married her medical school classmate, Dr. Calvin Sincero Ecarma. Following her residency, she became the Chief Resident in Pediatrics at Howard University Hospital.

After the birth of her first son, George ("Gino"), she worked as a house physician at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD. She later had two more sons, Alvin and Victor, and continued her work with the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., serving various clinics including Potomac Gardens, Benning Heights, and Anacostia until her retirement.

A natural-born leader, Dr. Ecarma became a prominent figure in the Filipino community of the Metro D.C. area for over 40 years. She helped organize the Philippine Independence Day Parade and worked closely with the Philippine Embassy during President Ramos's visits to Washington D.C.

She was a founding member of Ang Bisaya Incorporated (ABI), a cultural organization promoting the Visayan language, history, and customs. Dr. Ecarma was also an active member and former president of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), leading numerous medical missions to Cebu over the years. She held multiple leadership roles in both organizations, but she is perhaps best remembered as "the Mother of Ang Bisaya."

In retirement, she served as the Executive Director of ABI, continuing to oversee fundraising for the ABI scholarship sent to CIT. She also continued to enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, and dancing with her husband, and spending time with her grandchildren: Justin, Sophia, Autumn, and Irene.

Dr. Evangeline Ecarma is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Calvin Ecarma; her sons, Gino, Alvin, and Victor; her daughters-in-law, Amy and Joni; and her grandchildren, Justin, Sophia, Autumn, and Irene.

We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support from all who were touched by her life. She made a lasting impact on so many, and our family is comforted knowing how much she meant to this community.

We understand the desire to gather, share stories, and honor her together—and we plan to hold a public celebration of life in the near future where all can come together to remember her.In accordance with Evangeline’s wishes and those of her family, the upcoming funeral service will be a private ceremony by invitation only. We thank you for honoring her wishes and respecting our family’s desire for privacy during this sacred time.

Thank you again for your kindness, prayers, and support. It means more than words can express, and we look forward to celebrating her beautiful life with the wider community soon.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites you to honor Dr. Evangeline’s legacy by contributing to the Dr. Evangeline Memorial Fund.

Donations may be made via Venmo: @EvangelineEcarmaMemorialFundFor those who prefer to contribute by check, please make checks payable to:

Ang Bisaya Incorporated

Memo: Scholarship Fund – Mary Our Help Technical Institute for Women

Mail to:

c/o Lillian Trittle

26836 Dix Street

Damascus, MD 20872

This memorial scholarship was established over 20 years ago to provide vocational college education for young women in Cebu, Philippines—an enduring mission Dr. Evangeline deeply supported and was passionate about.

Sympathy cards may be sent to:

Ecarma Family

10708 Barn Wood Lane

Potomac, MD 20854