Amelia M. Ilag

Amelia Manlapaz Ilag, passed away the day after her 88th birthday on Saturday evening October 11th, 2025. Born in the Philippines, daughter of Juan and Leonora Manlapaz, the oldest of 7 children and wife to Silvino Ilag. She graduated as a Pharmacist from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, migrated to the US and retired from the US Postal Service after 30 years of employment.

Beloved Mother (in-laws, children) to Dennis (Ester) Cuenta and Michelle Ilag, and to the step-children the late Albert (and late Teodora, 2) Ilag, John (Sonia, 2) Ilag, Marlene (Jimmy, 2) Goco, Silvino (Millet, 4) Ilag Jr., Imelda (Hector, 3) Victorino and Manuelito (Carmencita, 3).

Loving grand-aunt "Lola Mely" to many, whom she loved singing nursery rhymes to and giving grandma kisses (sniffs) to; if you're Filipino, you understand what that means. She loved her siblings whom she helped raise. Loving sister to brothers (in-laws, children) Alex (Cely, 3) Manlapaz, Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz, Atty. Manuel (Julieta, 5) Manlapaz, Juan Jr. (Luela, 2) Manlapaz, and to sisters (in-laws, children) Edna (1) Manlapaz, and Dr. Raquel (Dr. Ernie, 3) de la Cerna. She adored all of her nephews and nieces both near and far, as if they were her own children. Always enjoying their company, teasing with them, hearing gossip, stories, eating the street-foods they bought for her and ballroom dancing with them.

Special thanks to all of her caregivers in the States and those who cared for her in the Philippines - she loved you all.

Like her husband, she will always be remembered for being a hard-worker, her generosity, devotion to Catholic pilgrimages, singing and infectious smile. She will also be remembered for the many parties she hosted, delicious food she cooked and how nice she always was without an ounce of sarcasm, jealousy or anger. Just a very fun-loving, kind-hearted person through and through.

Visitation Friday, October 17, 2025, from 1-8 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. A Novena will begin a 3 PM and a Mass at 4 PM. Funeral Saturday, October 18th, 9:15 AM from Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home to St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine for a funeral Mass at 10 AM.