Obituary for Glena Ilustre
Glena, “Glen”, Ilustre (nee Bicaldo), 75, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Lutheran General Hospital surrounded by both her husband and daughter.
Glena is preceded by loving parents, Ireneo and Angelica Bicaldo, brothers Artemio and Ramon Sr., two brother-in-laws and two sister-in laws. She is survived by her caring and loving husband, Alberto, her children and their spouses, Genalynne and Kevin Keller, Alberto and Sherylie, 3 grandchildren, Katie Johnson, Ethan, and baby Ilustre on the way. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Eliseo Sr. and Rizalina Bicaldo, Fely and Carlos Sta. Isabel, Regina and Frank De Leon, Precy and Emy Barcial, Zaldy and Malou Bicaldo, Hortencia and Sam Palisok, and two sister-in-laws. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, who were so fond of her.
Glena was born on July 12, 1945 to the late Ireneo and Angelica Bicaldo, in Oas, Albay., Philippines, the eldest girl of 9 kids, and the third oldest child in the family. At an early age, she already started teaching her younger siblings how to do their daily chores and other household responsibilities. She went to school and got her B.S. in Education, then obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and became a school teacher in Manila. She loved kids so much she also became a Girl Scout leader.
She met the love of her life, Alberto, while going to college. She put her name in a Pen Pal Column and multiple letters were sent back and forth. Years later, she followed Alberto to Chicago in 1978 and got married in October that same year. Her first job in the States was at a Woolworth cafeteria serving food to patrons while Alberto worked as a CNA at Cuneo Hospital. After saving up enough money, and having their first child, Glena got a job at Combined Insurance. They then had their second child. With their growing family, they settled in a home of their own in the Old Irving Park neighborhood and became devout parishioners of St. Edward Parish.
Glena, was such a hard worker. She continued to be a loyal employee at Combined Insurance which then became Aon Corporation. She got promoted multiple times and won multiple awards for going the extra mile as a Payroll Clerk. She also had many admirers of her eggrolls and at times it was her side job.
Whenever Glena, “Glen”, “Ate Glen”, “Mom” met anyone, she had a presence about her that would make a lasting impression. She was a quiet lady, but always gave great advice to those she thought could use it. Friends and family always had nice things to say about her. But don’t mistake her kindness for weakness. She was small but terrible. She said it herself. All she had to do was give her kids, “the look”. But, family was important to her. After all she had a big family. She always had family parties for birthdays, holidays and the annual block party because she also got to celebrate her birthday. She loved flowers, loved going to the Botanic Gardens, and loved apple picking. She loved everything alive and living. So, let’s celebrate her life!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions an invited guest only visitation will be held Wednesday Aug. 12th from 8:30 – 10:00 AM at TOHLE FUNERAL HOME 4325 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 followed by a Funeral mass 10:30 AM at St. Edward Church 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL 60630. Interment All Saints Cemetery Des Plaines, IL 60016. Info 773-685-4400
Glena is preceded by loving parents, Ireneo and Angelica Bicaldo, brothers Artemio and Ramon Sr., two brother-in-laws and two sister-in laws. She is survived by her caring and loving husband, Alberto, her children and their spouses, Genalynne and Kevin Keller, Alberto and Sherylie, 3 grandchildren, Katie Johnson, Ethan, and baby Ilustre on the way. She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Eliseo Sr. and Rizalina Bicaldo, Fely and Carlos Sta. Isabel, Regina and Frank De Leon, Precy and Emy Barcial, Zaldy and Malou Bicaldo, Hortencia and Sam Palisok, and two sister-in-laws. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, who were so fond of her.
Glena was born on July 12, 1945 to the late Ireneo and Angelica Bicaldo, in Oas, Albay., Philippines, the eldest girl of 9 kids, and the third oldest child in the family. At an early age, she already started teaching her younger siblings how to do their daily chores and other household responsibilities. She went to school and got her B.S. in Education, then obtained her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and became a school teacher in Manila. She loved kids so much she also became a Girl Scout leader.
She met the love of her life, Alberto, while going to college. She put her name in a Pen Pal Column and multiple letters were sent back and forth. Years later, she followed Alberto to Chicago in 1978 and got married in October that same year. Her first job in the States was at a Woolworth cafeteria serving food to patrons while Alberto worked as a CNA at Cuneo Hospital. After saving up enough money, and having their first child, Glena got a job at Combined Insurance. They then had their second child. With their growing family, they settled in a home of their own in the Old Irving Park neighborhood and became devout parishioners of St. Edward Parish.
Glena, was such a hard worker. She continued to be a loyal employee at Combined Insurance which then became Aon Corporation. She got promoted multiple times and won multiple awards for going the extra mile as a Payroll Clerk. She also had many admirers of her eggrolls and at times it was her side job.
Whenever Glena, “Glen”, “Ate Glen”, “Mom” met anyone, she had a presence about her that would make a lasting impression. She was a quiet lady, but always gave great advice to those she thought could use it. Friends and family always had nice things to say about her. But don’t mistake her kindness for weakness. She was small but terrible. She said it herself. All she had to do was give her kids, “the look”. But, family was important to her. After all she had a big family. She always had family parties for birthdays, holidays and the annual block party because she also got to celebrate her birthday. She loved flowers, loved going to the Botanic Gardens, and loved apple picking. She loved everything alive and living. So, let’s celebrate her life!
Due to Covid-19 restrictions an invited guest only visitation will be held Wednesday Aug. 12th from 8:30 – 10:00 AM at TOHLE FUNERAL HOME 4325 W. Lawrence Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 followed by a Funeral mass 10:30 AM at St. Edward Church 4350 W. Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL 60630. Interment All Saints Cemetery Des Plaines, IL 60016. Info 773-685-4400