Lily Sipin

Lily Perez Sipin was born in Bakilid, Mandawe, Cebu, Philippines, the fifth of six children.

After receiving her Bachelor's and Teaching degrees in Elementary Education, she embarked on her teaching career at age 21.

While on Summer break from teaching, she vacationed with a fellow teacher and dear friend who introduced her to a US Navy Sailor that would later become her husband of over 30 years.

Pausing her teaching career, she made the life changing courageous move to relocate to the US to become a Navy Wife and Mother. After relocating based on Naval assignments, they settled in San Diego CA, where she resumed her teaching career. She took this opportunity to pursue her Master's degree in Education at San Diego State University while still being a fulltime Teacher, Wife and Mom.

She was a lover of learning and remained curious and informed on a variety of subjects from culture to current events. She enjoyed world travel, gardening fruit trees, tropical flowers (especially orchids) and volunteering her time with various social organizations, most notably 20+ years with the Philippine American Community of San Diego County, Inc. and Balboa Park's House of Pacific Relations' House of Philippine Islands.

Her love for learning about different cultures was evident in her many travels; but no matter where her adventures took her, her heart was always in making people feel welcome. She had a natural tendency to think about others and an amazing ability to develop and retain long and deeply enriching friendships. Her impact on others was far reaching and memorable for her warmth and hospitality.