Esperanza Mate Abanto

Mrs. Lily Abanto and Col. Rizalito Abanto used to ask us over for dinners and barbecues at their home on N. Bennett in Colorado Springs. We were a bunch of homesick Filipino cadets at the USAF Academy who really enjoyed the few opportunities we had to go off-base and appreciate the American way of life. They were so gracious to fetch us and drive us back, about 15 miles each way, to and from the Academy. For me personally, since I didn't know anybody in the US, my stay at USAFA would have...

Mrs. Lily Abanto and Col. Rizalito Abanto used to ask us over for dinners and barbecues at their home on N. Bennett in Colorado Springs. We were a bunch of homesick Filipino cadets at the USAF Academy who really enjoyed the few opportunities we had to go off-base and appreciate the American way of life. They were so gracious to fetch us and drive us back, about 15 miles each way, to and from the Academy. For me personally, since I didn't know anybody in the US, my stay at USAFA would have...

Lily and I became friends, both WWII war brides of war buddies, Riz and Mel. We clicked and became close just like our husbands were. I was godmother to their firstborn, Richard, then, as the army does, our assignments separated us. Our busy young lives, raising our children, didn't give us the luxury of much time for anything else, but we kept in touch every Christmas with cards and family newsletters. I wound up with six children to Lily's four. It was not until both husbands were...

Dear Abanto family,

My parents and family (Tony and Milly Duarte) were friends with
your parents for many years when we lived on McArthur Ave. I remember your mom well. She was a lovely and gracious person.
I know my parents thought the world of her and Riz. My sincerest condolences go out to all of the Abanto family at this very sad time. She will be missed by many!

Lani (Duarte) Robbins

Sending our love and prayers to the bereaved family. You will be missed, Lola Lily.

Our Sincere Condolences to the bereaved Family. Rest in Peace, Lola Lilly.

Missing you so much Auntie Lily. My sincere sympathy and condolences cousins & family