Lilia A. Nicolas

Lilia (Lily) Aviles Nicolas was the eldest of 11 siblings, born on February 26, 1939 in Bugallon, Pangasinan, Philippines to Ildefonso Aviles and Felicidad Macaraeg. She grew up in that community and graduated from Zaratan High School, where she enjoyed her classes and excelled in all of her subjects. Being the eldest, she was a motherly figure, dedicating her time to caring for her younger siblings and serving her parents. Later, her father obtained a job in the Balatoc Mines of Benguet and moved his family to the surrounding community. It was there in Balatoc where Cupid brought her a handsome young mine worker while she worked at a school cantina. His name was Rodolfo (Rudy) Nicolas. And it was love.

They tied-the-knot on August 24, 1966 in Baguio City, Philippines. And after the birth of their first child, they all followed Rudy’s naval career to the United States of America. It was in San Diego, California where they made their home and expanded their family, with Lily giving birth to two more children. Lily was able to successfully adapt to the life challenges that came with being a Navy wife in a foreign country, thanks in part to her newly found friendships, her positive attitude, confidence, and tenacity. Always a hard worker, she found employment in various trades and raised her children alone while her husband served multiple deployments in the U.S. Navy. Determined to make a better life for her family, Lily attended a trade school and gained skills that landed her a position at Hallmark Circuits Inc., where she worked in electronics manufacturing before retiring in 2004.

Lily and Rudy then became world travelers, participating in many tours that led them through most of Europe, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Scandinavia, and of course home to the Philippines. Lily also enjoyed dancing, singing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, shopping, and caring for her seven grandchildren. She also enjoyed a good party when the occasion arose and always brought her best smile, her infectious laugh, and a delicious dish or two to share.

Lily was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. She battled the disease for more than 20 years and, for the most part, one would never be able to tell. Her optimism and faith kept her strong. Throughout her life, Lily was a devoted Catholic, inspired to do right by Jesus Christ. Her morals and values were guided by her faith in the Catholic Church. She instilled the values of love, forgiveness, kindness, honesty, loyalty, humility, and hope in her children and grandchildren. She also had many friends who shared the same beliefs and values. Those friends and family members who have already entered the Kingdom of God before Lily will rejoice in seeing her as she enters wearing angel’s wings. They will smile at her and joyfully exclaim, “Lily! It looks good on you!”

Lilia Nicolas is survived by her husband Rodolfo Nicolas; her children and their spouses, Rhodora (Jeff), Ray (Lainie), Rochele (Sean); and her grandchildren (Melanie, Samantha, Makena, Mia, Seamus, Matthew, and Brendan).