Cecilia “Lili” Abadilla y de Luna Alvarez

Cecilia “Lili” Abadilla y de Luna Alvarez, our most loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother has left us to spend eternal happiness with God. She passed away on
March 17, 2022 at the age of 94.
Lili is the original pioneer and matriarch of the family. She immigrated to America from the
Philippines in July 1961 with only a suitcase and landed in Jacksonville, FL to work as a medical
technologist at Duval Medical Center (now Shands Hospital), where she eventually retired after
33 years. Lili is the second of five children: Eugenia Reyestan, Jovencio Abadilla (deceased),
Hildegard Reforma, and Melba Milay, all who also immigrated to America with help from Lili. Her
inspiration and perseverance has grown and blossomed into a beautiful family tree.
Lili is survived by her husband, Reynato “Rey” Alvarez, and dance partner of 61 years. Her love
for her husband and the magic of music and ballroom dance carried on until her final days.
Lili’s daughter, Jaye and her husband, Allen Andone, have three children, Rachelle, Josh, and
Noah, along with Lili’s three great-grandchildren, Roman, Galilee, and soon to be born little boy.
Lili’s son, Randy Alvarez and his wife, Flor, also have three children, Camille, Cameron, and
Carson.
There will be a celebration of her life and mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where she was
a longtime member of the congregation, on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 10am.
Lili loved colorful flowers. Rey has requested for family and friends to wear their favorite floral
outfit to show her our love. Lili was cherished by many. All are welcome to join in the celebration
of her long and wonderful life.