Florentina Ines

Our dearest nanang Florentina “Florence or Tina” Corpuz Ilaban was born to Silvina Corpuz and Toribeo Ilaban in the beach village of Sabangan, located in the town of Sinait, in the province of Ilocos Sur in Northern Philippines. As a young child, she survived invasions during WWII when her village was forced to flee to nearby jungles and hide from enemy forces. She married our father, Demettrio Ines, on June 8,1955 and emigrated to the United States in early 1956 to live with him on the property he purchased from the Catherine Dunne Ranch. In April 1956, she had her first born daughter, Florence, following with 8 more children, the youngest being born in 1971, David.

Florentina was a hard worker full of perseverance and resilience, maintaining a household and farming with our father growing strawberry crops, along with maintaining a vegetable garden to feed the family and always sharing with relatives and friends. When the Fil-Am Association owned the Senior Center on 6th Street, she was a member of the Fil-Am Club and worked in the kitchen at the Center. She demonstrated her compassionate and supportive side as a caregiver for several years for two local prominent residents until their passing. Subsequently, she worked for Greif Bros in Morgan Hill as a Riveter for approximately 15 years before retiring. However, her strong work ethic and desire to serve others led her to return to working at the Gilroy Senior Center/Catholic Charities as a Kitchen Assistant, until she was forced to retire due to an injury. Her hardworking spirit persevered after retiring, as she continued to take pride in caring for her home, yard and of course tending to her goats.

In her spare time, she enjoyed going to weekly bingos at the San Martin Lions Club, Gilroy Veterans Hall, and Morgan Hill Britton, winning frequently (with the help of her Troll and good luck charms) and sharing her winnings generously with everyone sitting near her and with her grandchildren. The trunk of her car held her bingo daubers and lucky charms, ready to play at any moment. She also enjoyed Senior Center casino trips, and for the last few years, her daughter Judy and son-in-law Mike would frequently take her to Chukchansi in Coarsegold. Along with the hospice nurses, her daughters Julia, Marilyn, and Lyn were her caregivers. During her last days, she enjoyed looking at family photos, reading, music, card games, and puzzles. She lived a good, humble life.

She is survived by her brother, Juanito Bayani of Hawaii; daughters Florence Wood (Robert, deceased) of Sparks NV, Judy Hardy (Michael) of Madera CA, Julia Ines (Jimmy John) of Gilroy, Marilyn Gonzalez (Jesus) of Gilroy, Janet(Jesus) of Surprise AZ, Lyn Ines-Anderson(Marshall) of Gilroy, and sons Anthony of Medford OR; David Ines (Debbie) of White City OR. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grand children, great great granchildren, and extended relatives in Hollister, Ukiah, Bay Area, Hawaii and the Philippines.

The Ines Family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at Suncrest Hospice for the care, comfort, and dignity they provided for our mother in her final days, most especially to the nurses, Bellem and Lorelyn. Your kindness and support brought peace to our hearts during a difficult time, and we will forever be thankful for the gentle way you walked alongside us.

“Dear Mom, You are our favorite chapter, the one we keep rereading in our hearts. Even though the book has closed here, we know your story continues in a place filled with peace and light. We love you! Until we meet again.",