Iluminada “Lou” (Calip) Manzano Jacobs was born on Aug. 29, 1931 in the Philippine Islands to Teodoro Reyes Calip and Juana Villena Jacob.
One of eight siblings — Dominador, Rosita, Cecilio, Fidela, Genoveva, Florencio and Hermelina — her early years were marked by hardship and bravery.
At nine years old, she witnessed the invasion of the Philippine Islands during World War II. For three years, she and her siblings endured the turmoil of war until the islands were liberated in 1945.
Despite these challenges, Iluminada demonstrated strength, resilience, and a deep love for her family. At 10 years old, she decided to leave school and work to help support her parents.
As a teenager she moved to the mountain city of Baguio, where she earned a living selling flowers, quail eggs, and vegetables in the local market. It was there that she met her first husband, Bienvenido “Ben” Manzano. Together, they had three sons: Richard, Roland, and Arthur.
When a tragic bus accident claimed Ben’s life, Iluminada was left a widow and single mother of their three young boys. However, she carried forward with grace and resilience.
While working at a department store in Baguio, Iluminada met Leoncio “Leon” Jacobs, a U.S. Army veteran who had fought with the 6th Ranger Battalion during World War II. The two married, and Leon brought her to America.
Iluminada and Leon worked many different jobs that took them to various cities. They lived in June Lake, California, where she saw snow for the first time, and later worked for American pianist and bandleader Horace Heidt in Los Angeles.
Eventually, they settled in Santa Barbara, where her three sons joined them, and in 1963, their son Gary was born.
In Santa Barbara, Iluminada found joy working as the in-house florist, first at the Valley Club of Santa Barbara, and later at the Little Town Club.
She and Leon were also involved with the Filipino Community Association, where they would enjoy dinners and dancing.
In 1974, she and Leon returned to the Philippines for a vacation with their son Gary. During this trip, tragedy struck again when Leon passed away suddenly, leaving her a widow for the second time.
Iluminada and Gary returned to Santa Barbara, where she continued to build a life centered on family, faith and community.
Over the years, Iluminada spent time living on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, and the North Bay area, but she always returned to her beloved Santa Barbara. After one more move north to take care of her mother, Iluminada made her final return to Santa Barbara.
During her retirement, she continued her involvement with the Filipino Community Association, where she was a lifetime member. She also volunteered with the Free Methodist Church, creating flower arrangements, serving at senior luncheons, and caring for children in the church’s daycare.
She also loved to dance, listen to Elvis Presley, tend to her beautiful flower garden, and cook for others.
Iluminada’s legacy is one of love, perseverance and service. She was fiercely independent, outspoken and loving. She brightened the lives of so many and will be forever remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and guardian angel.
She is survived by her four sons Richard, Roland, Art and Gary; four grandsons Erron, Justin, Andre and Daniel; granddaughter Christy; and eight great-grandchildren Alyssa, Abigail, Adley, Mackenzie, Ethan, Leah, Caleb and Pearl.
She is missed and loved dearly.
A celebration of Iluminada’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at the Free Methodist Church, 1435 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara.