Lilia Cañero Demonteverde

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” - Albert Einstein

Lilia Canero Demonteverde was born in Manila, Philippines on December 29,1924 to Pablo Canero of
Narvacan, Ilocos Sur and Socorro Javelona Canero of Jaro, Iloilo—both English teachers setting a
foundation for a lifelong value of education. After graduation from Mapa High School in 1941, she
was accepted to the University of the Philippines (U.P.) where she received her Bachelor of Science in
Botany. As an associate professor at U.P., she was recruited to start the Department of Zoology at
Manuel L. Quezon University, while also doing research, publishing papers, and earning her Master of
Science degree in Zoology from U.P. Her research can be found in several books of Zoology.
She initially met her future husband Synteke at a reception for military graduates of the Adjutant’s
School. At the end of WWII, they met again as students at the University of the Philippines. She
walked by, caught his eye, and it was love at first sight. He then corresponded with her mother so he
could be invited to see her again. They married January 30,1954 and started their family in Manila
where their 5 children were born.
She often said that it was important in life to be flexible for whatever comes your way. Her philosophy
came in handy for the next phase of her life, immigrating to the United States in 1967. Her husband,
now a physician, took over his aunt’s medical practice in Wilmington, CA. For nearly 30 years, she
was the office manager and business administrator.
She loved adventure! They travelled extensively throughout the US and the world—Europe, Africa,
China, Russia, Japan and Scandinavia. It was always about learning different cultures, history, and
expanding views.
Her garden was her oasis, cultivated with care, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. It was
filled with her beloved orchids, flowering plants, and fruit trees, which gave her great joy.
A devout Catholic, she believed in living a life of Faith in our Lord God and providing unconditional
love to her family. Hers was a life of charity, welcoming family and friends in celebration with a
generous spirit embodying her Christianity.
She is survived by her children and their families. Ruth and David Pearce, Nanette Demonteverde and
Penny Viator, Lilian and Joseph (deceased) Hoats , Alan Demonteverde and David Pohl, and Macario
Demonteverde and Patrick Paris. Her grandchildren are William (Christie Ligh Pearce) and Kathleen
Pearce, Myles and Jared Hoats.
Preceded in death by her loving husband Synteke, her parents and siblings Julio Canero and Ester
Canero.