Illah B. Perrin

1917 - 2010

May 23, 1917- Sept. 13, 2010 Illah - a unique name for an amazing woman! We called her Mom, Janie, Mimi, Big Sis, Aunt Illah, Friend and for some, Boss.

Illah was born shortly before Prohibition to her adoring parents, Shelby and Vivian. Though she was born in New Mexico, she enjoyed a lovely childhood in San Bernardino with little sister, Maxine, and brother, Shelby. She loved her parents, the experience of "growing up," and she loved being a girl - high heels, perfume, flirting and falling in love! As a young woman, she met and married her sweetheart, John (Jack) Belding Perrin.

Over the next 10 years, their love gave life to four little boys, who became her ultimate joy and the center of her universe. It didn't matter that WWII was being waged or that she was buried in boy toys, laundry and schoolwork.

She thought Dennis, Steve, Scotty and Jojo (Joel) were the cutest, the best and the brightest that the world had ever seen! She loved every minute of being their mom! As the boys grew into young men, Illah truly came into her "own," both personally and professionally. She ventured out first in real estate and later in fashion and manufacturing. How appropriate that she rented her first factory on "Hope Street"! As she blossomed, so did business.

It seems so logical that her next move was to "Flower Street," such a fitting address for this bright, colorful woman! Changing times and new opportunities eventually convinced Illah to transition her manufacturing operation from the clothing industry to the golf industry. Illah California, Inc. slowly evolved into Belding Sports, a custom golf bag manufacturing company. Her partner in life (Jack) became her partner in business!

The company, like her family, survived the many growing pains and gave way to great accomplishment. As Belding grew and prospered, so did her family. Illah was blessed with eight grandchildren (Dennis, Capriece, Leigh, Bridget, Tulasi, Chase, Brady and MeganAnne) and eventually four great-grandchildren (Chelsea, Bailey, Sarah and Griffin), as well as two daughters-in-law, Susan and Jackie.

Indeed, her investment of love and commitment had paid off in every area of her life. But she was ready for the next chapter. In 1997, Illah decided it was time to retire - and give all her attention to traveling, gardening, reading, word-searches and of course, her clan. And she lived happier ever after . . . Illah was truly extraordinary. Her vision, her instincts, her logical mind, and her creative spirit were packaged in a woman who was both physically and spiritually beautiful. She was loving, generous, strong and feminine; quick to smile, full of advice, courageous, pragmatic and wise.

We'll gather to celebrate this remarkable woman on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Conejo Mountain Funeral & Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Rd., Camarillo.