Lilian Santos

Lilian worked for the City of Delano for 26 years till her retirement in 2008. She first started in the Planning and Building Department in 1982 as a Planning Technician and advanced a few years later into the Human Resources Department as a Personnel Analyst. Upon her retirement she was the Human Resources Manager running the department. Lilian was a member of the National Association of Female Executives, was Secretary for the City’s Planning Commission, Economic Development Steering Committee, Redevelopment Agency, and Citizen’s Advisory Committee.

Prior to moving to the United States, she lived in the Middle East in Tehran, Iran. She worked for Pars Hospital in Tehran. In Iran, she met many of her lifelong friends. Generous in their heart and souls, Lilian and her husband “Tony,” often offered their home to strangers who were relocating to Iran. Many of these strangers would become close friends.

In the United States she lived in various places such as Rochester, Minnesota, Spring Valley, New York, and Cherry Hill, New Jersey and finally settling roots in Delano, California with her husband, son, and daughter. Lilian started her career with Air America in the Philippines as a Personnel Representative where she met her husband, Antonio Santos, Jr. When he passed away, they were married for 25 years.

Lilian was very giving and active in the community. She was involved with Soroptimist International, Philippine Weekend and was part of the Philippine Festival Board that brought the annual celebration back to Cecil Park from Memorial Park and diverted its cancellation. She also started the Santacruzan and the Tiny Tots Pageant to be part of the Philippine Weekend Festivities in Delano. She brought many Filipino artists and singers from the Philippines and United States to perform in Delano during the Singing Contest portion of the festivities. The stage that is used annually was her inception and contribution to the community. Lilian also helped organize a fundraiser to raise money for the orphans of the David Livingstone Foundation in the Philippines. Lilian served on Kern County’s Aids Advisory Board representing Delano to Kern County’s Board of Supervisors. She also gave many Proteus participants their head start in their careers.

Lilian was the recipient of the Delano Chamber of Commerce “Woman of the Year” in 1999 for her Community Service.

Lilian loved to travel around the world and visited such places as Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Egypt, France, Italy, Denmark, Philippines, and Japan to name a few. She enjoyed collecting European dolls, coins, and stamps.

Lily, as she was fondly known by those around her, loved her family like only a Mother could. Even friends became family and many would just drop by and stay for hours to enjoy her delicious cooking. She always put family first and made sure they knew she loved them with all her heart.

For those that are looking for hotel accommodations, please click on the links below.

Hyatt Place (Delano): https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-place-delano/fatzd

Holiday Inn (Delano): https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/delano/dlaca/hoteldetail

Best Western (Delano): https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotels-in-delano/best-western-libertyinn/propertyCode.05612.html

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.delanomortuary.com for the Santos family. Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial provider.