Lillian R Linares

Lillian Linares, a lifelong resident of San Bernardino and Highland, passed away on February 3, 2023. She was born to Adrian and Helen Ramirez on June 21, 1949. She was raised in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of San Bernardino, CA. Lillian graduated from Pacific High School in 1967 and received an Associate’s degree from San Bernardino Valley College. It was during Lillian’s educational period at San Bernardino Valley College that she met Robert, her husband of 52 years. Lillian was employed as an admissions and records clerk by San Bernardino Valley College and Riverside City College for 12 years. She later became a faculty member at St. Adelaide School serving as the school librarian from 2004-2009. Lillian’s outstanding communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail enabled her to easily thrive and succeed in these occupations.

Lillian also instilled the importance and value of an education in her three children. All of them were highly successful in their educational pursuits. Gabriel (son) obtained a Ph.D. in Physiology and is a biomedical research scientist, Diana (daughter) received a Law degree and a Master’s degree, and Jennifer (daughter) received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science/International Affairs with a minor in Spanish. Lillian played a significant role in these accomplishments by fostering a hard work ethic and a love for learning in her children during their development.

Lillian was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of the St. Adelaide Catholic community in Highland, CA. Following her retirement, she remained active by passing out food to needy members of the community at the St. Adelaide food pantry and participating in bible study. Lillian’s community service also included being a volunteer for the Highland Sam J. Racadio Library. She was recognized with the Volunteer of the Year Award for her distinguished contributions to the Highland library.

One of Lillian’s dreams was to visit the Holy land and see the sacred biblical sites connected to her Faith. In 2019, this dream was realized when she embarked on a pilgrimage to Israel with members of St. Adelaide’s church. During this trip she also visited Rome, Vatican City, and had the chance to see Pope Francis conduct a mass in St. Peter’s Square. Some of her favorite trip highlights included her baptism renewal in the Jordan River and carrying the cross along the crucifixion route of Via Dolorosa. Lillian was very proud that she went on this trip and beamed with pride each time she showed others the pictures and videos from the pilgrimage.

Lillian was also a compassionate and philanthropic person. She donated money to various charities and organizations including: the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC, EWTN, Boys Town, Companions of St. Anthony, Easter Seals, Carmelite Sisters, Society of the Little Flower, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Friars of the Atonement, and the American Lung Association. She would also give money to the homeless in her community.

Lillian had several hobbies and passions that she enjoyed in life. She loved listening to music and dancing. Some of the genres she liked included classical, Latin, and pop; but her all-time favorite were hits from the Motown era. Lillian was also a gifted piano player and skillful in the crafts as evidenced by knitting scarves and making plush blankets. Lillian also enjoyed shopping at various boutiques, stores, and malls. Those who knew her best can attest to this statement! She was also very adept at decorating her house. Lillian was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the Olympics, World Cup, boxing, and horse racing. Her favorite teams included the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and USC Trojans. Lillian cherished spending time with her children and granddaughters in San Diego. Some of their favorite pastime activities included visiting Old Town San Diego, North Island, Balboa Park, and the local beaches. Above all, Lillian will be remembered for blessing her family and friends with love, sage advice, humor, and a kind-hearted demeanor. We will all miss her dearly.

Lillian is survived by her husband, Robert Linares; her son Gabriel Linares; her daughter Diana Brunmark; and her daughter Jennifer Anderson; her mother Helen Ramirez; her sister Valerie Montoya and her brother Adrian Ramirez; her granddaughter Rozelyn Anderson, her granddaughter Liliana Anderson and her granddaughter Ava Brunmark. She was preceded in death by her father, Adrian Ramirez and her sister, Marcey Ramirez.

Viewing for Lillian will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 10:00am at St. Adelaide Catholic Church, 27457 Base Line Street, Highland, CA 92346. Committal will be thereafter at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 3510 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324.

Lillian's favorite color was pink. Guests are invited to incorporate pink in their attire in her honor

*****Family extends an invitation to a catered lunch reception at St. Adelaide Parish Hall, 27457 Base Line Street, Highland, CA 92346 on Wednesday, March 8th 1:00pm to 4:00pm*****

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Linares family.