Iluminada Basadre Gentry

Iluminada Basadre Gentry, 78, died April 23, 2026. Born August 9, 1947, she grew up in Cebu in the Philippines and was a graduate of Cebu City College. Iluminada’s life was defined by a loving spirit, a kind-hearted way of caring for others, and a resilience that carried her faithfully through every season, always with an energy and warmth that made people feel at home in her presence.

In 1973, Iluminada married Allen C. Gentry in the Philippines, and the very next day the two began their married life in America, settling in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They shared more than 39 years of marriage until Allen’s death in 2012. Together they raised one son, William A. (Bill) Gentry, PhD (born 1977), who married Courtney in 2015. Iluminada’s greatest joys multiplied when she became a grandmother to Elizabeth (Ellie Rose) (born 2018), a role she cherished deeply, she loved being a Lola.

Iluminada built a life of steady work and service. She worked at Provident (now Unum) in Chattanooga for over 20 years. She also spent time as a nurse’s aid in the labor and delivery department of a hospital, offering gentle support at life’s tender beginnings. Her last job was in quality control at Sears Service Center, where she retired—bringing the same care, friendliness, and dependable spirit that shaped every part of her life.

A woman who truly could light up any room she walked into, Iluminada had a bubbly presence and a gift for connection—she never met a stranger, and anyone she met became an immediate friend. She found joy in her garden, and she loved staying active and physically fit, enjoying walks in her neighborhood, exercising, and spending time with her friends at the BX.

Her faith and community were central to her life. Iluminada was a devout Catholic and cherished her time as a parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. She was also part of the vibrant Filipino community in the area, and she delighted in gatherings filled with conversation, laughter, and shared food at potlucks and parties—always celebrating life alongside others.

The family extends special thanks to all of her friends who provided support and care through her recent illness, especially Hearth Hospice and Life Care Center of Hixson for taking such great care of her in her last days.

Visitation will be held at Chattanooga Funeral Home–East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a Rosary Service from 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 501 S Moore Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

A Committal Service will follow on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Allen.

Please share your thoughts and memories online of Iluminada with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.