Emelina P. Canlas-Salud M.D.

Emelina P. Canlas-Salud, M.D.

Emelina Canlas-Salud was the beloved wife of Ponciano V. Salud, M.D., and proud mother of Monica (Hal Feiger), Amanda, and Elizabeth (Dave Massey) Salud. She was also a loving grandmother to Aedan, Alex, Maia, George, Charlie and Arthur. 

The eldest of seven children in her family, Emelina graduated with a medical degree from University of the Philippines in 1967 and emigrated to the United States soon afterward, completing her residency in Albany, NY. She then relocated to Chicago, becoming an Associate Professor of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago. She married her UP '67 classmate Ponciano and they started their family together in Hyde Park in 1972, before settling down in Palos Heights a few years later, with Emelina eventually becoming a partner at Pronger-Smith Clinic in Blue Island. 

Over her four-decade career as a well well-respected physician, Emelina delivered countless babies and provided healthcare to multiple generations of women. Even years after she retired from medical practice, Emelina always greeted patients by name and with a smile when she would encounter them out and about. In her retirement, Emelina enjoyed traveling with Ponciano to spend time with their daughters and their families, as well as to explore other parts of the world with her sisters.

Emelina is survived by her siblings Mario, Beth, Ana Maria, Josie, and Cristina, and was preceded in death by her parents, Dominador and Iluminada, and her brother, Jaime. She also leaves behind many dear nephews, nieces, and in-laws.

Visitation will take place at the Kerry Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, 7020 W 127th St, Palos Heights on Friday, June 9th from 3 pm – 8 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, June 10th at St. Alexander Catholic Church, 7025 W 126th Street, Palos Heights. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to Mercy Home, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls | Chicago Children's Charity