Lilia Apoyo Pedraza

February 5, 1942
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October 27, 2021

“For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God. Not a result of works, so that no one may boast…” Ephesians 2:8-9

Lilia was born in the Philippines to Alberito and Soledad Apoyo and was one of 5 children. Lilia and Gomercindo began their journey together in 1960, they were eventually married and blessed with 7 children: Luz Pedraza, Rustico Pedraza (deceased), Evelyn (George) Pedraza Manibog, Lisa Pedraza (deceased), Noel Pedraza, Maria (Marcelo) Pedraza Crisostomo, and Melinda (Pedrito) Pedraza Biona. There are many things to say about Lilia, but her first priority and her greatest joy was her family. Lilia cared tirelessly for her children and was a fierce protector and defender of them. She seemed to innately know which children were thriving and which ones needed more care and attention. She was a loving and involved grandparent and invested so much love and effort in each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 2016, Lilia braved the cold and moved to Green Bay, WI. to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Evelyn and George. Lilia developed a love for pizza and other American foods and enjoyed outings to local farmers markets, day trips to Door County and countless parties with family and the close knit Filipino community in Green Bay.

In 2019, Lilia was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer and bravely went through multiple treatments and procedures, determined to beat it to spend more time with her family. She was able to enjoy a remission and create more memories with the family in Green Bay as well as daily facetime conversations with her children and grandchildren in the Philippines. In 2021, Lilia’s cancer returned, and she went through even more challenging treatments with the help of her daughter, Evelyn, who was her primary caregiver. In October, after a week-long hospitalization, Lilia returned to her Green Bay home on hospice, to be able to enjoy her remaining days in comfort and around those she loved.  Lilia passed away peacefully at home on October 27th, surrounded by family. Lilia had expressed many times that she trusted in Christ alone through faith and not in her own works or merit, she knew Him as her Savior and Lord. Lilia had a calm assurance and was not afraid to die. She would read her Tagalog bible and often pray with her grandson and granddaughter. We rejoice that we have the resurrection hope that we will see Lilia again. We are thankful that where she has gone, “God will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (Rev.21:4)

Lilia’s memorial service will be held on June 18th, at 2:00 p.m. at the Voice of Faith Bible Church, 529 4th Street, Green Bay, WI. All are welcome to attend and join us for a light snack/visitation immediately following the service.