Angelita “Lilia” Conant, age 78, was gently welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 22, 2025, with her husband, Tom, at her side. She was attended during her last few days by all of her loving family members and close friends.
Lilia was born in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, Philippines on July 31, 1946, to Marcella Gulles and Eustiquio Estorba, She lost her mother as an infant and lived a life of extreme poverty as a child, eventually leaving home at the age of 11, to pursue a better life as a housemaid in Manila. Her life was a testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and resourcefulness empowered by her unwavering love, devotion, and contentment.
Lilia married the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Conant, on February 11, 1970 and celebrated 55 years together shortly before passing into her eternal home. Her greatest joy came in 1977, when she and Tom were drawn by the Holy Spirit to trust in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life. His presence in their lives enabled them to build a family that became the heart of her world.
Next to her love for Christ, Lilia’s pride and joy were her sons, daughter, and grandchildren. She cherished moments with them, always ready to offer a wonderful creation from the kitchen or a gift to brighten their days. Her love for them was boundless, and she embraced every moment spent with her family to the fullest.
In addition to her deep love for family, Lilia had a passion for gardening, particularly tending to her beautiful roses and other flowering plants, which all bloomed as brightly as her spirit. She loved to cook and could fill her home with the warmth of delicious meals that rarely needed a recipe since She had all the recipes in her heart.
Her personality was cheerful, happy, and filled with joy. Her co-workers often remarked how pleasant it was to hear her singing throughout the workday, bringing comfort and joy to everyone.
Lilia was a faithful member of the Christian Chapel Assembly of God (now Coast City) in Virginia Beach, serving alongside her pastor husband, spending lots of time holding babies in the nursery, and always lending her welcoming brand of hospitality to any occasion. Her faith was the anchor of her life and she imparted that faith to those around her telling anyone who would listen about Jesus. Lilia’s kindness, warmth, and devotion will be missed by all who knew her.
Lilia was preceded in death by both her father and mother, four brothers and one sister, and her infant daughter, Christina Elaine Conant. She is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Joseph, Carolyn (Sam) Demaria, and Sean (Annie); grandchildren Nathan (Arianna) and Noah Demaria; Liam, Abigail, and Minnie Conant; and her sister, and brother.
A graveside burial service at will be held at Edward G. Horton Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, on Thursday, March 27, at 11:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Celebration of Life Service at Coast City Assembly of God, 2751 Salem Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia, at 4:00 PM.
Lilia will forever be remembered in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Until we see her in heaven, may she rest in peace with Jesus.
