Leila Capili Arias

Leila Capili Arias was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Leila will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

She was the daughter of Donato and Natalia Capili. Leila grew up in Manila, Philippines.

Leila was raised with five siblings (though one died as an infant). She had an older brother Raoul who she was closest to. Leila was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings.

As a young girl, Leila had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Leila was an active child who took part in Gymnastics, and Volleyball. In her spare time she liked Dance (Ballet, modern, folk, Hawaiian, Tahitian, Polynesian). Leila's memorable achievements were that she was a college student by the age of 15.

Leila enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Leila was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from University of the Philippines (Diliman). She also pursued graduate school, earning her Double Masters in Health and education, also from the University of the Philippines (Diliman). She graduated Summa Cum Laude.

She married Mario Lumauig Arias on May 9, 1965. She married David Charles Osler on June 2, 1984. Empathic and loyal, Leila was committed to making her new family happy.

Leila worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Leila was blessed with four children, Three sons: John-Michael, Lawrence-Michael, Norman-Michael, and one daughter: Sarah-Nicole. Another blessing for Leila was the gift of her one grandchild, Amanda Pilar.

Fortunately, Leila enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Leila worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was an Educator. She was the youngest tenured Professor at the University of the Philippines (Diliman) at the time, earning the nickname "Leila the Great." Her Masters thesis was titled "The effects of selected dance activities on the agility, balance, flexibility, leg power and leg strength of college women", published in 1975. She was instrumental in the establishment of the University of the Philippines Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (SPEAR) in 1976. Her impressive reputation garnered her international attention and she was offered a position as Head of the Physical Education Department at Government Teacher's College in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigera in 1978. Leila had several careers after coming to America in 1980. She eventually retired from City of San Jose Police Department.

Leila enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Travel, Music, Dance, Singing. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Leila found pleasure in sports. In high school, Leila played Gymnastics, Volleyball, Dance. In her college years, Leila continued to stay active by Dancing, and Gymnastics.

Leila was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the Christians in Commerce, Couples in Christ, Gavilan College, South Valley Civic Theatre, American Heart Association.

Leila's faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish for over 30 Years and was a key player in the parish's Jubilee celebration in 2015.

Leila enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included taking cruises aboard princess cruise lines to Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as traveling all over Africa and Europe.

Leila was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Ginger a mixed-breed small dog. They were best friends for 10 years.

In retirement, she found new pleasure in cooking, volunteering with her church, travel, theatre, family, singing. Even in retirement, Leila continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Leila was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Leila passed away on December 18, 2015 at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara Medical Center. She passed away from complications with her battle with cancer. She is survived by her children, John-Michael, Lawrence-Michael, Norman-Michael, and Sarah-Nicole, as well as her grand-daughter Amanda Pilar, her daughters-in-law, Lori Arias, Cathy Arias, and son-in-law Alex Hsu. Services were held at St. Mary Catholic Parish in Gilroy, CA. Leila was laid to rest in Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

Simply stated, Leila was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Leila leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Leila Capili Arias.