For young people, anyone over 30 is old; so, if you’re a septuagenarian, you’re considered ancient! In actuality, those who reach 70 and beyond, the wisdom of their years is something that the young generation should be envious of. And for Lilly Belleza, who turns 78 today, there is a lot to be envious about.

A first generation Cavinti diaspora, Lilly Belleza immigrated to California on April 15, 1971, to follow her husband Mert, who decided to settle at the Golden Gate State after his stint in the U.S. Navy. Arriving first with her two younger children, Helen and Hilda (her two older children Sonny and Heide followed two years later), they lived in the city limits of Los Angeles first, then moved to the suburbs a few years later.

Moving here in the U.S. changed Lilly’s life more than just cultural. A stay-at-home homemaker in the Philippines to raise her children, Lilly joined the work force when she moved to California. Finding a job at the now defunct First Interstate Bank (it’s now part of Bank of America), Lilly worked at Bank of America until she retired.

The Bellezas Christmas 2007
Lilly Belleza is second row sitting wearing floral blouse and holding the family dog Pucca

Today, her children are all grown up and already have their own families. Sonny, (Lilly’s oldest child and only son) is married to Cita Jaico Belleza; Heide is married to Marc Winkenwerder and they have to children, Hans and Ian; Helen is married to Joey Fe and they have two children, Kristina and Kassy; and Hilda (Lilly’s youngest) is married to Leo Moreno and they have two children, Madison and Sheridan.

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