Iluminada Lum Mendoza Baltazar

Iluminda Mendoza Baltazar was born November 13, 1913 to Bernabe Baltazar and Ines Mendoza in Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines. A native of Obando, Bulacan yet growing up and studying in Manila, Illuminda was a graduate of The Phillippine School of Optometry.

As a practicing Optometrist, she was loved by many clients and everyone she encountered. Upon arriving in the United States and finally residing in Daly City, CA, , Lu was instrumental in establishing the Fil-Am Optometry group in the State of California. An active parishoner of Holy Angels Church in Daly City, Lu also volunteered her time as a Voting Registrar during election season.

After retiring, she devoted much of her time and energy to family members. Although Lu did not have children, she cared for many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren like they were her own. At family functions, Lu was always the first to discover hidden talents amongst her grandchilden as she would gather children to perform for her their special talents!

In the final days, although she was so tiny and frail, she gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. As a devoted Catholic, she spent her final days in prayer, surrounded by family, while maintaining an optomistic approach on life.

She is survived by her sister, Dr. Flordeliza Baltazar, numerous grandchildren, and a handful of great-grandchildren.