Luz D. Musico

Luz (Iday) Diaz Musico was born in Gandara, Samar, Philippines on November 21, 1929 and passed away peacefully in Houston, Texas on May 19, 2025. She was the daughter of Francisca and Filadelfo Diaz, identical twin and tenth child. Luz graduated high school from Centro Escolar University and began working for her sister’s business as a cashier, at the D&E Coffee Shop in Manila’s Escolta district. Here she met Demetrio (Demy) Musico and they were later married on July 22, 1952. Together they had five children, one of whom passed away shortly after birth. Luz and Demetrio settled in Manila, and shortly thereafter they relocated to Cebu for a couple of years due to Demetrio's work. Soon after, the family settled back in Quezon City, where Luz returned to work at her sister's D&E Restaurant.

Being in the restaurant environment and in the kitchen, sparked her interest in cooking, which she eagerly refined at home. Some of her favorite dishes included caldereta (goat stew), lomo (beef stew), adobo, callos, paksiw, enseymada, and torta. She delighted in preparing these dishes, particularly on special occasions, for family and friends.

Besides enjoying working at her sister's restaurant, she kept herself busy with several business sidelines which included operating a small tailoring business at the house, and a small piggery, as well as renting out a small school bus.

In 1969, Demetrio emigrated to the United States, and a year later Luz and the family followed. They settled in Dallas, Texas. Luz worked initially with her sister Adela at a department store, but later worked at a bank until 1977, when the family moved again and settled permanently in Houston, Texas. She worked for a couple of years in Houston, after which Demetrio's work took him to Japan, and she followed shortly thereafter, staying in Sagamihara for a few years. This was followed by a couple of years in Rhode Island, once again due to Demetrio's work. Finally Demetrio's job took him to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they both lived in an American compound for almost three years, before finally returning to Houston.

Her life in Houston revolved around taking care of her ever increasing family which now included nine grandchildren - five boys and four girls. Being so close to her twin sister, Paz, who also lived in Houston, the two were inseparable. Between the two twins, Luz was the serious one, while Paz was the prankster. While being opposite personalities however, without discussing it, they often found themselves wearing the same clothing, and even cooking the same dishes on the same day! They both loved dancing and singing, and shared the same love of cooking, sharing recipes and cooking together when opportunity allowed. They also loved to play the slots and took every opportunity to go to Las Vegas. Occasionally her son and daughter-in-law would take her to Louisiana where she enjoyed playing the slots.

Devoutly Catholic, she prayed to the Virgin Mary, prayed her novenas daily, attended mass at St Justin Martyr Catholic Church and always encouraged her children and everyone else to never forget to pray and attend mass. She always looked forward to celebrating birthdays and all the holidays with families and relatives.

Luz is preceded in death by her son Demetrio Jr, her parents, her siblings, Trinidad, Antonia, Milagros, Adela, Alfredo, Ramon, Francisco, Miguel, Filadelfo and Paz.

Married for 72 years, Luz is survived by her husband Demetrio and their children, Emma, Ron, Carla and Catherine; grandchildren, Eric, Matthew, Andrew, Alex, Taylor, Morgan, Jonathan, Melanie and Ryan, and their great-grandchild Aubrey, and in-laws Mila, Dan, Dave, Sandy and Cameron.

The Musico family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to caregivers Diana and Marja during the past few months, and also to Harry Herber for bringing the Holy Eucharist to Mom and Dad. We also thank Penny, Yadira, Teresita and the wonderful and compassionate staff of Blue Star Hospice.

We will miss Luz’s beautiful singing voice, love of dancing, and her contagious laughter.

Eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she Rest in Peace. Amen.