It has taken me a year to visit this website.  I guess because it has taken me this long to stop crying about losing my BFF so early in life.  As I sit at my desk at work the tears well up in my eyes and the lump in my throat grows larger....The sadness I felt one year ago comes flooding back.  It still feels like yesterday that she passed away.  My name is Geneva and for those who don't know me I met Lilia back in 1988 at the University of Houston. I can still remember the day we met it was at a MASO (Mexican American Student Organization) meeting.  We both were new to the organization and didnt know anyone.  I remember hearing her speaking up and offering her brilliant ideas on how to raise money for the organization.  It was one on many times that I heard her throughout the years speak up and share her exuberance and excitement about anything and everything.  She was one of a kind human being.  My most happiest moments were when we were together just laughing at silly stuff till we cried.  She brought a kind of sunshine and laughter into my life that I have not been able to find with anyone else in my life.  I miss her deeply.  I talk to her often asking why she had to leave me so soon...But I dont ever get an answer.  I find comfort and gratitude in just knowing that I was blessed with her in my life....even though our time together was cut short...Luv you Lilia!!!!!   G

Lilia had all of us on Christmas2006 making pan de polvo cookies. That year we made several batches to give to family and friends. Cooking was a central point in my wife's life.  Many of my fondest memories of her was in the kitchen helping her come up with a new recipe that was better than any fine restaurant that I have eaten. She had many talents as an artist in the kitchen, in her painting, in her crochet, in her knitting, in all aspects of her life. 
I allways felt honored and privliged to have shared my life with such a dynamic, live loving woman.  We only get a few chances in life to spend it with someone who gets you, completes you, and motivates you to be the person they see in you. If you are lucky enough to find someone like that, share them with the world and let them shine in your life as well as others.    

This was a short clip of Lilia with Moses at a family get together after his baptism.

Lili was so cool to me growing up...  She threw awesome parties and took me along on her skate dates and nights out with friends...  I don't know if she knew how much I appreciated getting in on the excitement.  

Thanks for including me and always taking care of your pesky little sister...

Eva 

Lilia always connected with the writings of Teresa of Avila.  As I am reading them and about her life I can see the parallels that she drew. Here are a few that she always enjoyed.

Let nothing trouble you.

Let nothing scare you.

All is fleeting.

God alone is unchanging.

Patience

Everything obtains.

Who possesses God

Nothing wants.

God alone suffices.  

 Christ has no body but yours

Christ has no body now on earth but yours,
no hands but yours,
no feet but yours,
Yours are the eyes through which is to look out
Christ’s compassion to the world;
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about
doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

Thank you all for coming tonight. Lots of people have asked to share some beautiful thoughts and memories about my wife but I just wanted to share a few words.  My wife was many things to many people.  She was a family member, sister in Christ, Mother and beautiful wife.  She was also a wonderful artist, volunteer, parishioner, activist, leader, and Chicana.  All these though paled to the trait that made her so special to me and to many others.  She had a way to make anybody even strangers feel welcomed and part of a family quickly and easily.  This by far permeated thru every aspect of her life.  When we found our home here at St. Pius 15 years ago she felt right at home since she had been doing this all her life.  She took the concept of Community in everything she did. From her ministries in Moms, ACTS, Scouts and others to where she worked.  All of us here and those who could not make it are the fruits of her love. 

Out of all the things she did being a Sacristan, especially the work she did at vigils and funerals was what she most enjoyed.  She used to tell me that it was uplifting to remind those in grief of the amazing new life in Christ that awaited their loved ones.  She always said we have to celebrate the life they lived and carry them with us wherever we go.  She was wonderful that way.

Anyone who has spent any amount of time with our family will agree with me when I say she was my best friend and soulmate.  I will miss her all the days of my life. Amor te amo and when God is ready for me I will find you again.

Written and Read by Lilia's Sister at her Vigal:

  To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters... We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega

Today, I have lost my sister and best friend. Lili has seen me at my worst and even when she was furious with me, I could always depend on her love. She was my teacher, defender, shrink and co-conspirator.  I am so grateful for every fight and even for being stuffed in the hamper, because she taught me to fight fair, stand up for myself, and always find light in the darkest places.  We shared our dreams, hopes for our children, and our love for our husbands, travel, pets, music and wine.

My dad would have been so proud of her.  She lived life to the fullest and according to her own rules.  She gave so much of her time and energy to those she loved: her family, her friends, the church, the school, boy scouts and to others in need.  I truly appreciate her El Paso community for holding her close during her last few days.  Family, thank you for being the circle of strength and love.  She cared so deeply, for so many and she would be happy to see you all here today.

Lilia, be not afraid, go in peace and rest.  Thank you for your love and your life.  I will miss you so very much.