Alicia Brillantes Diaz

Alicia Brilliantes Diaz (Alice) was born in Iloilo City, Philippines on August 12,1929, second daughter to parents Nazario and Consuelo Brillantes. Late 2016 she was hospitalized due to complications of pneumonia and later passed away January 28, 2017 after living a fulfilling 87 years. Alice was raised by her aunt, Augustina, who taught her the love of teaching and mentoring others. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education she became an instructor for 37 years, teaching Physical Education, Languages, and Dance. Her passion in Philippine folk dance led her to be recognized in local competitions, and her children and students fondly remember her winning first place many times in the 60s and 70s. She was also artistically inclined, and enjoyed crocheting, and giving the things she made as gifts to those close to her. On April 4, 1953, Alice married Lorgio Diaz Sr. and raised 6 children in Bacolod City, Philippines. She and Lorgio later moved to the US in 1988 in order to join their daughters Lorna and Leila. Alice continued with her passion in teaching, and later joined her husband in becoming Teaching Assistants for special needs children. They were both active members of The Church of Christ, and took offices of Deacon and Deaconess. They loved singing at church, sharing their faith with others, and would often tell stories of faith to their children and grandchildren. As their grandchildren grew up, they enjoyed visiting relatives in other countries and seeing other church congregations around the world. Friends and relatives worldwide fondly remember Alice as a thoughtful and generous friend, a dedicated mentor and insightful matriarch, especially in raising her children to become successful in their chosen careers. Alice is survived by her children, Lorna Diaz, Lorgio Diaz, Leila Raza, Leah Mallare, Liezl Deocampo, her grandchildren Lizerne Ventura, Geraldine Guiting, Lance and David Raza, Mark and Michael Diaz, Wins Champ, and Yvesse Mallare, Julian, Leanne, and Selena Deocampo, and her first great grandchild Logan Kyle Ventura. Her beloved husband, Lorgio, passed away in August 2014. Her children and grandchildren fondly remember Alice for her generosity and kindness. She would always remember each child’s birthday so that she could give them presents. As an educator herself, she made sure all of her children finished college so they could raise their own families well. In her late age, a doctor asked her to write any sentence down, and in her wobbly writing she wrote, “I love all my children”.