Ismael D. Doctora, age 81 of Canton, passed away January 24, 2023. He was born November 26, 1941 to Serafin and Caridad Doctora.

Born in Dumangas, in the province of Iloilo, the Philippines, Ismael eventually made his way to the United States. One day while in Chicago spending time with former college classmates, the group spoke of another former classmate named Lelita, who happened to be from the same hometown in the Philippines as Ismael. The two eventually reconnected over the phone and decided to meet again. They soon started dating and in 1971, Ismael and Lelita married in Chicago and made their way back to Michigan to begin their lives together. First to Detroit, then on to Redford, the two finally settled in Canton. Ismael was dedicated to his career as a chemical and civil engineer for NTH Consultants, where he worked for 20 years before his retirement.  

Ismael and Lelita were fortunate to travel the world together. With almost too many destinations to count, the two made their way throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Some of Ismael’s favorite experiences included Greece, the Baltic Sea, Lourdes in France, and of course, visiting his family in the Philippines. Back home in Canton, Ismael loved to watch sports, especially football. His other steady source of entertainment came in the form of action-packed Western movies.

Above all else, family and faith meant the most to Ismael. With his home dubbed “Ellis Island”, he welcomed extended family members from the Philippines and offered a safe and loving space while they made their start in the U.S. He embraced his nieces and nephews as his own and was a constant loving and supportive mentor. With the home always full of family and laughter, Ismael loved to joke around and make everyone smile. His sense of humor was unbeatable. He truly just wanted everyone to be happy. Ismael was extremely intelligent as well, and always had a solution to any problem that came his way. His family counted on him for so many things and he was grateful to help, never letting anyone down. Ismael drew much of his strength from his Lord. He was a devout Catholic and one of the founding members of St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church. Together with Lelita, he attended Mass every Sunday, watched daily Mass on EWTN, and devotedly prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on the rosaries he collected from all over the world. After every Sunday Mass, Ismael’s family looked forward to gathering at his home to share breakfast and witness his impressive barista skills. Beyond thankful for Ismael’s life, he will be so deeply missed by his cherished family.

Ismael was the beloved husband of Lelita for 51 years. Loving brother of Romeo (Linda) Doctora and Hector (the late Emma) Doctora and brother-in-law of Genaro (Emma) Dolar. Dear uncle of Joseph Doctora,  Lynn Suiter, Jocelyn Jurva, Carolyn (Luis) Lomas, Cindy Curato, Mary Claire (Lowel) Curato, Mae Flor (Jonathan) Ingente, Serafin Doctora, Gendo (Beth), Miguel (Tracey), Johnny (Karen), the late Samuel Ismael Doctora and the late Hector Benigno Doctora. Great uncle of Wesley Jurva, August Jurva, Axel Jurva, Mikayla Lomas, Kai Doctora, Ella Doctora, Elyssa, Genard, Jonathan, Connor, Baylee, Morgan.

Visitation for Ismael will be held on Wednesday, February 1st, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday, February 2nd, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Rosary Service at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. He will lie in state on Friday, February 3rd, at 10:00 a.m., until the time of his Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Rd., Canton.

Memorial donations in Ismael’s name may be made to The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).