“Lilia”, as she was fondly called, was born in the Philippines to Marcelino Ruiz and Guadalupe Rayos. As she was born in the month of May, her parents named her Florella May which represented “Flowers of May”.
Lilia was a good daughter and sister. She was obedient, cooperative and very responsible.
She grew up to be an academic achiever and was popular in school. She became Class Mathematician numerous times and was also hailed as Leader of the Year. She graduated with high honors during college and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with a major in Library Science from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines.
She married in 1966, migrated to the US and in 1979, she left her husband and returned to the Philippines taking with her all four children and has since become a single Mom.
Lilia worked for the family’s university as an Assistant Chief Librarian (Her Dad was the Chief Librarian), became a College Instructor and also managed her own canteen which was also located inside the school campus. Eventually, Lilia went into the real estate business until migrating back into the US with her youngest child to join her other children in 2002.
Lilia was a devoted and protective Mom to all her children. She was loving, caring, selfless and self sacrificing and thought only about her children's welfare. Her hobbies included cooking and baking for her family, doting on her kids, grandkids, grandkitties and great grandchildren. In addition, she also enjoyed arts and crafts, solving word puzzles, reading, watching shows (TV, musicals and others), hanging out in bookstores, visiting theme parks and various landmarks and shopping online. Even in her advanced age, she was a techie and took great pleasure browsing over the internet using her iPad. She was also a food enthusiast and was not afraid to try out different dishes. She had a knack for recreating recipes from restaurants and parties she has been to.
Lilia's happiness were her children and considered them as her greatest achievement.
She is survived by her four children: Anna, Marie, Mardini and Diana; Her grandchildren: Kamille, Michael, Keegan and Kaiden; Her grandkitties: Peanut and Piper; Her great grandchildren: Aven and June; Her sons and daughter in law: Dave, Benedict and Samantha; Her grandson in law: Jace; And her siblings: Sor Dolores, Leticia and Melissa and nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18