Herk & Lily Felias' Obituary
Herk Felias passed away on July 9, 2015 and was joined shortly by his wife, Lily Felias, who passed away on July 11, 2015 in Placer County, CA. Herk was 85 years old and Lily was 84.Both Herk and Lily were born in the Philippines in 1930. Herk grew up in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Mindanao and Lily in Alang-Alang, Leyte. He was the eldest of six children and she was the youngest of 13 children. Herk was a Certified Public Accountant and Lily a professor of English and Home Economics, who successfully completed her Master in Education degree after moving to the United States in 1972. They were already professionals in their field of work when they met at a jeepney stop near the University of the Philippines, and their fateful encounter blossomed into a 56-year marriage and a full and faith-filled life graced with 5 children and 6 grandchildren.Herk and Lily will be remembered for many things – their amazing ballroom dancing and gift of voice; beautiful friendly smiles and generous hospitality; love of travel; and strong involvement in their Catholic parishes and other groups, especially at Most Holy Trinity Church in San Jose, the United Visayas-Mindanao Association of America, Cursillo, and Alang-Alanganons. Herk was a natural entertainer and served as Master of Ceremonies at many events, and Lily kept the Filipino culture alive through the folk dances she taught to youth groups and the delicious Filipino cuisine she whipped up. They were industrious to the end, running a travel agency during their retirement years, with Lily organizing tours abroad and Herk offering trips to local casinos.Family was very important to Herk and Lily. They cherished their grandchildren and their many accomplishments. They believed in maintaining strong family bonds and served as models for their children. Friends and relatives turned to them in times of need and their home was a place of refuge and support. They were true pillars for their family and community and will be missed greatly.Herk and Lily were predeceased by Edsel Ray, their youngest son who died in 1970 in the Philippines. They leave behind four other children: Idelle Marie, Eldred Anthony, Glen Norine, and May Julienne, as well as six grandchildren: Jennilynn, Christopher, Michael, Kristal, Caitlynn and Thomas. Herk is survived by two siblings: Hormisdas Galido and Estrella Kauffman, and both leave behind many more extended family in the US and in the Philippines.Their funeral service and interment is set for 11:00 am on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Skylawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in San Mateo. Reception will follow.
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