By: Georgie Battung Navarrete

Good evening, everyone. Good morning, Manila. I am Georgie. Tita Lenny’s niece and one of her adopted daughters.When I received Tan’s message asking me to speak tonight, my response was quick and resounding. “Not yet”. In my mind, I could only think that my heart was too heavy to allow for words. Plus, what is there to say, that has not already been said? But, two hours into my email declining his request, I surrendered to the incessant nagging from either the Holy Spirit or Tita Lenny herself. Maybe because I knew that I was saying no also because speaking in public scares me. Today, I can only add testament to the fact that love, deep love, can overcome one’s great fears. Like all of youhere, I love Tita Lenny and she loves me. I say that not in past tense because this truth has no ending. It may be di/erent as I no longer can see her but her presence and the overwhelming belief that she continues to watch over me, over all of us that she loves, lives on.So… Who was Tita Lenny to me?

I vehemently argued with voices that urged me to speak today. Not only did I hear the urging to share this but I repeatedly CA heard – for the children. I lost my mom in 2018. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss her. I would search for her comforting presence in my darkest times. I would miss sharing happy and funny stories with her.I would hear her scolding me for the little things that I never did get quite right or correcting my manners or reminding me to be gentle and kind. 
When she passed away, my heart was broken in so many pieces and Tita Lenny was there to remind me that a mother’s love is never truly gone. And, this is the message I have for you, my way of paying forward. My dearest cousins – Meg, Ken, Lyn, Tan – she loves you from her first to her last. She will always be here. She knows you, she carries your love, and she is always so very proud of you. And when the burden of heartaches gets too much, yes – hold on to memories and mementos, pray, re7ect even cry … but also allow the angels she will send (and she will) to remind you of herlove, to comfort and lift you up. Because just like she spoke for my mom and was my angel – she will send many angels for you and your children. As special as she made me feel, I always knew there was none more special to her than you and your dad. She is a mom, a wife and grandmother – first and forever. Know that the light she has is in each of you – make it shine brighter because of her. And if there is a message that needs to be said let it be that - For all who are lucky enough to still have your parents, hold them tight, give them your time. It will never be enough.My dearest Tita Lenny – I miss you. And because I know you are not one to rest – I say only Be in Peace. I love you.

By Raf Dolor, Mary Mother of Good Counsel Parish

To the parishioners of Mary, Mother of Good Counsel in Marcelo Green Village, she was a tita, a mother, a confidante, a counselor. Her smile was refreshing; her gentle presence ever warm. She prayed fervently before the Eucharistic Lord in the Adoration Chapel whom she loved greatly. She was behind all our projects, giving us all the moral and financial support when needed. She would always say, "Just send word for anything," and that meant so much to us. 

She was a faithful daughter of Our Lady and of St Jose Maria Escriva. She saw everything as the Work of God: her daily chores, her family life, her commitment to the Church. She was privileged yet remained humble, recognizing that everything entrusted to her is but temporary. Her life has been selfless, her generosity unbounded.

Dinners with her extended to almost midnight. She had so many stories to tell; so many insights to share: her life in Cebu, her married life with Tito Robin, her children and the beginnings of the parish. She laughed at the mishaps she went through yet drew out lessons from these. Annually, she enlisted herself as sponsor of the May-time Flores de Maria. She opened her house willingly when we held our Cantata, graciously entertaining almost 120 performers for a merienda-cena. She was upset when priests did not celebrate the Mass with reverence. She eagerly shouldered the new vestment of our parish patroness on her feastday. She looked forward to the celebrations of the Holy Week, the parish fiesta, the fiesta of St Jose Maria, and Christmas whenever she was in Manila. She silently wept as the choir sang Hidden God during Communion, immensely moved by the words of St Thomas Aquinas. She willingly accepted my invitation to give a eulogy for a past parish priest at Bahay Pari in San Carlos Seminary, without me knowing that that was to be one of the last encounters I would have with her. She and Tito Robin were bound for the US as the pandemic was spreading. Even in the US, she sent word, concerned with our parish priest and the effects of the lockdown on the parish. 

The word of her passing this morning numbed us. We had hoped and prayed for her recovery. Yet God must have his plan. His healing may not have been physical and temporal but spiritual and eternal. We are consoled that her passing ended her pain, and begins her new life in eternity. And so we celebrate her life: everything that she is for us. We give thanks for her, her person, her life, her friendship. Her love joins us into oneness of life and love.

Saints point us to the grace of God at work in our ordinary life. It is true that they are heroes and heroines of the Christian faith. Every now and then, we are privileged to come across people whose lives are a silent witness to their faith—saints who inspire and transform us in many ways. Tita Lenny was one among these. 

We entrust to the good Lord the soul of our dear Tita Lenny King. What joy for you to hear the words of the Master: 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Go with God, whom you loved so greatly. Enjoy the heavenly liturgy where you will finally see God face to face for all eternity. And while singing with the angels, smile for us, pray for us—we who are still in this valley of tears.

We shall miss you deeply. From a grateful parish-community that you loved, MMGC.

In loving memory of ELEANOR KING, called to the Father's house, February 11, 2021 (US Time), Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Dear Papa Robin, Meg, Ken, Lin, Tan, and families,

Love and condolences to all of you. Mama Lenny was truly a gift to the world, and we are better for having been in her orbit. I will never forget how she and Papa Robin put a smile on my Papa's (Ronnie) face in his last days. They opened their arms and their home to us after his passing, giving me, my husband Erin, and Mama Linda a safe and comforting space to grieve and heal. It was an act of pure love and compassion when we needed it the most, and I wish for you all the same kind of comfort she so generously gave us.

Eulogy for Elenor Hill King from Jimmy and Perla Castro

To the Hill & King Families allow us to share with your grief. May we offer our condolence & prayer for your atonement. For the rest of us, the King extended families, may the Grace of the Lord Jesus dwell upon us all.

My wife Perla & I are humbled & honored to have this chance to speak our hearts out since Lenny’s repose 40 days ago.

Permit us then to proclaim our homage as a Celebration of Life of Mamma Lenny & Brod Robin.

We just couldn’t talk about Lenny without my Frat Brother & Confidant Brod Robin in the same sentence. They’re Two sides of the same coin of Hill & King.

Eleonor is a name derived from the Hebrew word “El”, meaning god and/or light, so the name commonly means “God is my Light” or “God is my Candle”. Lenny to us was undoubtedly an enlightenment to every one she was engaged with. Her path & journey have always be written in the book of life, perhaps pre-destined?

Of English origin or even of Old French or Old German, “E-le-nor” means “Light”. Lenny was clearly ubiquitous, broadly popular, sweeping, reaching out far & wide, inescapable at times.

Robin, in biblical terms, is a bird symbol as important to us Christians as the Holy Spirit dove. It represents selflessness for a higher truth or love. A sign of luck, satisfaction, growth, clarity & contentment.

Our memories of Lenny :
She hugged in good times & bad. Teary-eyed when joyful or sad. Though Perla & I had yet to witness whether she ever cried hard, or shed shame tears, nada! She did plenty of shedding tears of joy & jubilation. You hardly notice the tears with those ‘singkit’ chenita eyes, but her wit were quite evident from her gestures & body language.

Unmistakably E-Le-nor. In most occasions, belly laughter defined her narratives specially in Bisdak terms. To say that with her, loud conversation was an understatement proved Lenny over-scored it ... Comforting, uplifting, unabashedly hopeful, a zest for life.

Mamma Lenny was a consummate household manager, Confessor & Comforter in Chief, governess to her 4 children : Meg, Ken, Lyn & Tan ... & later her grandchildren ... as well as to her & Brod Robin’s sibling’s & their grandchildren ...

If I may ran a parallel to that of the Governess of the Von Trapp Family. I hope this is not much of a stretch. Hehe

Lenny, as Maria was in The Sound of Music, was early on underrated, yet eventually over performed. To us, she was hands down, a clear accomplished, fulfilled.

Brod Robin, as Lenny’s adored Captain, cool hand, steady calm Co-commander in Chief, marshaled the resources & troops for the highs & lows, good & bad turn of the journey, never a lost temper, but only of a tempered reassuring tone & tenacity.

When our 1st daughter got married in New Jersey while Perla & I were back in the Phil, who did we call as God Father? Obviously Robin, along w/ Lenny on his side.

Their 50th wedding anniversary on Sept 29, 2018 in West Covina California was one for the memory books. The best of any that Perla & I have attended both in significance, impact & efficiency of the whole program. When Teamwork works, it’s heartwarming, kilig to the bones, priceless.

All those years of inter & intra family celebrations at their Marcelo Green Village home or elsewhere, be it birthdays, baptisms, reunions, bedside visits for Papa Ben, visitors from the Cebu or Toledo Clan or Marcelo Mob, graduations, weddings, Novenas, breakfasts, 19th hole meriendas, dinners, or simple salo-salo, we got hooked into their rhythm of life cycles.

To put together Lenny’s multifaceted repertoire over the years, may not be enough to do justice to her persona, yet I’ll try to outline them as - she decided, dashed, dressed, danced, dug, devised, dehumidified, detoured, defused, decreased, devolved, decried, declared, divined & delivered the utmost she could.

Empathy was her greatest core asset leveraged with her many many other character traits.
Her gifts of intimacy, spontaneity, smiles & enthusiasm from her vicarious emotional DNA were in full accord & display. We couldn’t recall of any incident that her presence & demeanor were not appreciated, not one. On the contrary, those around her were admittedly contaminated by her as well.

Ever since we’ve known each other in the early 60’s, about 60 yrs of hobnobbing together, Lenny, the Bubbly Hi-Schooler, the University Charm & the Nurturing Neighbor, had always been amiably predictable & consistent. Attracted crowds, she was life of the street chats & live parties. Not surprisingly, she got audiences & spectators to yearn for more of her playbook.

Another parallel yet to a more solemn reference. That of St Josemaria Escriva’s Works in Married Life & Parenting. Both Lenny & Robin patterned theirs, we believe, in the amalgam of God’s gifts of Enlightenment, Lenny’s Gifts of Gravity -attracting others to her with Hope & Love, & Brod Robin’s Pastoral Prime & Agape.

Thus, this fertile fusion of Eleonor & Robin could only happen from a higher mandate. Maybe as succinctly complimentary as the Yin & Yang in the Eastern World. Beneath its significance & intent, indulge us to recognize & remember the times, tones & texture of Mamma Lenny’s & Brod Robin’s lives & loves from one Hill to a King and back. That we all here are intricately intertwined with them then, now & forever. We submit that they are predestined as soul mates whenever, wherever & however. Amen.
To God Be the Greater Glory. Shalom.
End/
Jimmy & Perla Castro
3/20/2021

To Kuya Tan Tan, Kuya Ken, Ate Lyn Lyn and Ate Meg and family,

When I first learned that your Moms health had gone from bad to worse, I was honestly shocked and was in disbelief. Just a few days prior, I remember reading on facebook that her health was improving and thought that she was now on the way to a full recovery. We continued to pray and then suddenly, she had passed. To be honest, I’m still having a difficult time accepting that she is gone, in part because her personality was larger than life and everyone that met her is always left with an impression. Mama would say that they would call her typhoon Lenny because of how everyone knew that she had arrived with her loud welcoming voice, warm hugs and always asking everyone how they’re doing. I think it was her sincere care for everyone around her, multiplied by her way of expressing it that made her so memorable and loved.

On the last day of the novena, TJ was actually pushing me to say something and share a story or two about your Mom. As much as I wanted to, I really didn’t know what to say because so many memories came to mind. I had so many thoughts that if I decided to speak that day, I might be rambling on non-stop so I just said I would be an observer for now, but would write to you and your family and share a few stories with you.

My first real recollection of meeting Mama Lenny was after returning from the states in 1998, just a few months before you all came for Ate Lyn-Lyns wedding. While I remember seeing her picture in West Covina and saying that she seemed familiar, it was only after my stay with you all that we really sat down and spoke to each other. One of the first things she asked about was how was my health doing and if my stay at their home was comfortable. I was surprised because she knew how I ended up staying with you all and was in many ways rescued, yet she was concerned on how my stay was. We then spoke about the upcoming wedding and that the boys would be happy to get together once they arrived.

Soon after that, we were at Marcelo for the bachelorette party. I remember staying in the garden and the next thing I knew, there was a posted of a half naked man with Brents face on it and a bunch of ladies blindfolded playing pin the "hmm hmm" on Brent. After your mom had finished her turn, she removed her blindfold and said “ HAY!!!! Ang layo naman!!!! Ulit (or again)!!!!” To be honest for a little while after that, whenever I would see your Mom, I would laugh a little bit. There’s something about the image of her walking blindfolded towards a poster of a macho Brent with a paper "hmm hmm" in her hand and her loud reaction after that just stays with you.

Mama Lenny was also the reason I was able to reconnect with your cousins after they moved back to Cebu. Just when I had started to travel to Visayas for work, we were speaking one evening and she let me know to make sure I drop by Ricas (I think) beside the Grand Majestic as the boys frequent the place. I had lunch there one afternoon and low and behold, Jong Jong walked in and since that time, every time I was in Cebu for work, I always made it a point to meet up with the cousins.

I also would not have met you all and gotten to know you and develop a sibling type closeness had it not been for Mama Lenny. I remember hearing that when I was in LA in 1998 and Mama Lenny asked Kuya Tan and Kuya Ken to pick me up Cerritos and spend a few days with you, they both thought they would be baby sitting because my Mama described me as some sort of angel totoy! But thanks so much for picking me up despite that. I guess a shaved head, baggy pants, a goatie and freaking out Ate Lyn Lyn by having her listen to the song “Don’t touch my birdie” put those concerns to bed, although I have to say, watching those movies at Auntie Libets house...wild!

Each time I was planning a trip to LA, regardless of who I was with, Mama Lenny always said to call Tan Tan and see if Delia was available. She always made it a point to remind me, “ Anton Hijo, that’s your house ok?” And true enough, a trip to LA was not complete without either a visit or a stay at West Covina, and later on in Upland, where we always felt at home.

Mama and Papa always spoke very fondly of Mama Lenny and she was such a huge support for Mama when Papa passed. She was all out of sorts when she heard the news that Mama Lenny wasn’t well, and even more so distraught upon hearing that she passed. I’ve only heard Mama say that she was heart broken on 3 occasions, and this was one of them. I spoke to her a few days ago and just by mentioning Mama Lenny, her voice would start to quaver.

The last time I communicated with Mama Lenny was just after we moved house, which was a few days after her birthday last year. She was asking about Mama and said she was going to give her a call soon. I don’t know about you but whenever I read her messages, it’s as if I can hear her talking in her usual happy and boisterous way. We chatted about her visiting us up here again, like the time they did a few years ago with Uncle Robin driving Mama Lenny and her ladies crew and we met up for dinner. We were really looking forward to seeing her again once the borders opened and we never would have guessed that that would be the last time.

If there’s one constant from listening to everyone share their memories, particularly those who are about the same age as I, Mama Lenny was like a 2nd Mom to everyone. Knowing that she is no longer with us is really tough to bear and things will definitely never be the same. Having moved to Canada and with LA being closer than Manila, seeing Mama Lenny in a way made me feel like I was with Mama, but a hipper version. She would tell me stories about Mama, pass on Mamas love and would also let me know that she would tell Mama that we met up and give her updates about my family, especially the children. She would also gladly take any cards or gifts I had for her and give them to her as soon as she was back in Manila.

To you, her family, from the bottom of my heart, I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing Mama Lenny with me and my family and for unselfishly allowing us to spend time with her while she was here. We miss her so much and will hold her in our hearts and cherish the memories forever. 

Anton, TJ, Leighton and Loic

Ate Len,
You, with Kuya Robin, are a light in my arid spiritual desert. Our time together may have been few and sparse in between. Yet, you packed every moment with memories that only sought and begged for more. I will have to wait now till God calls me Home, too.
I remember as a child, meeting everyone from your amazing family (Papa Ben, Mama Betty, yourself, Ate Pinky, Ate Libet, Ate Mabel, Benjo and Gigi) when you came up North to visit us from the magical Lutupan. I wanted to know where this magical place was because it was peopled by the most delightful, friendliest, laughingest, happiest folks. Papa Ben called Junjun 'Ohalis' then and on learning the meaning of his endearing nickname, I thought Waray was this magical dialect, too. And that anecdote of you and your sisters talking yourselves silly about a farmer or gardener you'd met that had you running for your dear lives is a hysterical tale that never grows old. It had to do with how the story was told, of course, and you were always masterful at that.
I vaguely recall seeing you and Kuya Robin, when you were young, tender sweethearts, at our Andres Abellana home when you came to visit with Mom.
I remember being a bit older, visiting your home with Mom when Meg was an infant. You and Mom were so worried because Meg had needed surgery. I remember looking into her crib and not quite understanding what was the matter with the beautiful baby lying there but sensing your mutual fears, wanting to make sure, too, that Meg would be okay.
I remember a few visits more to our Barracks home when I was older. And we would be so excited to meet you all again when those times happened. Even the most introverted of us, Dad, was plenty charmed by you. No one could get away from the magic you spun around you.
I remember visiting your home in Marcelo when I was hoping to come to the United States to join Ed in my 30s. Mom and I were so loved and cared for while staying with you. You asked Auntie Ellen to help me with my visa and flight ticket. You brought us to attend mass at an Opus Dei church before I finally got on the flight, one that had brought me halfway across the world to live the next 30 years of my life here now.
I remember the weddings in our families that we attended together.
I remember you and Kuya Robin, you with Tan and Ate Mabel and Gigi, you and Kuya Robin and 14 other family members coming to visit us in happier times at 13 Joseph, filling the house up with shouts of laughter and with mirthful giggles. Every time, there would be new anecdotes to listen to in amazement and to chuckle over for you never ceased to see the sublimely funny in all circumstances. You would trade joke after joke with Ed like fencing masters, given your rapier wits and wacky senses of humor being always in synch.
I remember our always getting invited into the city to meet you whenever you were here.
And then the sad time when Mom's cancer had metastasized to her liver and brain in December of 2015, it was nearing Christmas and the winter weather was creating flood hazards and the ride from West Covina to South San Francisco was all of 8 hours one way, yet you came with family to be with us. You gave Mom that quiet peace of knowing she was so loved by you, of calming her fears about dying. You loved her through thick and thin, through the best of times and the worst of times.
And after Mom went to Heaven on January 4, 2016, you took me under your wing and said you would fill in for her in my life from then on.
I remember Ed and I being invited to your Golden Wedding anniversary! How beautiful you were and how gloriously happy with Kuya Robin and your family surrounding you with such glowing love.
And the last times we spoke and texted to each other, you were starting to feel under the weather from what we both hoped wasn't due to covid. For you'd started out with symptoms like Ed had and he did not have covid. We held out our hopes and we tried our best to do supportive therapies to keep your immune system up. Even as you were getting weaker, you stayed so positive and strong, I had thanked you for fighting so. And you had this long pause before you said: "I fight for all of you." And my heart completely understood. Your life has been a great fight always for all of us. I just did not realize how much you did so and how many of us there were until I started attending the Divine mercy and Holy Rosary zoom meetings.
All of us, Ate Len. We have been so loved and fought for by you. And I said arid spiritual desert before because I had found myself lost there for some years back and was only slowly finding my way out. Thank you for your guiding light, Ate Len.
I can't allow myself to be too sad, I know. Papa Ben and Mama Betty, oh, I can imagine how happy they are to have you with them forever now. Mom must be so happy to have her best friend with her again. And Dad, with a shy grin slowly spreading across his face, must be so equally delighted. And Jason, Jason, he loves and adores his Mama Len, too.
Kuya Robin heard you in the yellow rose blooming in your garden this morning. You were calling him to see you, to feel you, to know that you are always going to be with him. You are in our hearts and in our souls. We see you, we feel you, we know you aren't going to surrender us to our sorrow and to our spiritual disquiet.
I know God loves me very much because He gave you me in my life, no matter how undeserving I was. Thank you for the gift of Ate Len, Lord!
Thank you for the gift of you, Ate Len! Love you always. Hug and kiss everyone we love up in Heaven for me, for all of us!

To our dear, Hill-King family, we truly grieve with you on the passing of Tita Lenny. As I remember her always smiling, laughing, never a frown and sharing a talk with everyone. A kind soul and a loving wife to Tito Robin and mother to her children. We will miss you but we will never forget you. We'll keep praying for your eternal repose and may the good Lord take you in His loving embrace for eternity. Please say hello to all our dearly beloved who have passed on and to our papa (Peping) as well, God bless you Tita Lenny and your loving family!