Philinore Irao Lota was born April 1, 1944 to Pelagio Irao and Patrocinio Caballero Irao in Numancia, Aklan, Philippines. She entered into rest, suddenly, on November 28, 2008. After teaching a few years in the Philippines, she came to California to pursue her Master’s Degree at U. C. Santa Cruz. Philinore taught in Aptos, Greenfield and finally in Watsonville, CA. She married Delano Kimpo Lota in Aptos, CA and resided in Watsonville, CA where she continued to teach the elementary grades until she retired after 30 years in the profession.
She was also an active member and former president of the Filipino Community of Watsonville. She was also a member of the Filipino Catholic Association and the Fil-Visayan Assoc. She loved music and composed songs.
When she retired, she returned to her native land Philippines, where she and her husband, Delano, ventured and invested in a variety of businesses where the music recording business was her passion. Philinore and Delano maintained their investments while also traveling frequently back and forth from the Philippines and Gilroy, CA to visit family. After her husband’s passing in June, 2007, she spent the last year and a half with her daughter, son-in-law, and her two, much loved grandchildren in Gilroy, CA.
She is survived by daughter Delyn Noir (Lota) and son-in-law Alan Lazaro; grandchildren Kaitlynn and Dylan Lazaro; and sister Phebe Irao Tubiera.
Visitation will be held Sunday Dec. 7 from 1:00-9:00 P.M., Monday Dec. 8 from 1:00-9:00 P.M. with a Vigil beginning at 7:00 P.M. both at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. Funeral Mass Tuesday Dec. 9 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Gilroy.
