Lilia D. Lantin

Portsmouth -- Lilia D. Lantin passed away in Portsmouth, NH, surrounded by her family, on October 16, 2023. Lilia was born on July 6, 1940, in Manila, Philippines to Rufo and Paciencia Domdom. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran in Manila where she graduated as valedictorian in 1959. She continued her education at the College of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila and earned her medical degree in 1964. It was during medical school at the University of Santo Tomas where Lilia met her beloved husband, Antonio Lantin. They married on January 2, 1966, and immigrated to the United States in 1968 where they both completed their medical residencies. They settled in the Princeton, New Jersey area, where they raised their three children: Mary, Lili, and TJ. Lilia was a full-time internal medicine physician and devoted much of her career to caring for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also served as medical director at both North Princeton Developmental Center and Hunterdon Developmental Center and retired in 2013. Throughout her career, Lilia was a leader, who provided great medical care and mentorship. She loved her teams and the patients for whom she cared. In addition to this demanding job, she always found ways to prioritize her family, friends, and to celebrate her Filipino heritage. She fervently cheered on her daughters throughout their athletic careers whether it be from the sidelines of a field hockey or lacrosse field or from the stands of an ice hockey rink. She found great joy in hosting wonderful gatherings that brought friends and family together whether it be for New Year’s Eve, Easter, or just an ordinary weekend. She also served as the President of the Philippine American Medical Society in NJ and as the Chairman of the Foundation of the Philippine Medical Society of NJ. During retirement, Lilia and Tony continued to enjoy their home in New Jersey but found themselves traveling frequently to see their family. They eventually decided to move to New England in 2018 to be closer to their grandchildren whom they adored. Lilia was an inspiration to all who knew her. Hard work was a core value and it shined through in all that she pursued. She was a trailblazer as a working professional mom and was known for her warmth, energy, strength, style, and generosity. She was welcoming and especially loved to cook and share her adobo or her famous banana bread. She led by example, was a compass to her family, and served as a beacon to her extended family and community. Lilia is survived by her husband of 57 years, Antonio, daughter Mary and son-in-law Thomas Casparis, daughter Lili and son-in-law Michael Wierbonics, son TJ, grandchildren Stage and Lantin Casparis, and Rowan and Willow Wierbonics. Lilia is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Lilia was predeceased by her brother Leoncio Domdom and sisters Rosita Domdom and Remedios Vinoya. Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, October 29th, at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be held at Corpus Christi Parish in Portsmouth, NH on Monday, October 30th at 10:30am. She will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery directly following the funeral mass. For directions and more information, please visit remickgendron.com. Lilia was devoted to education and to providing lifelong services to people with Autism. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Princeton Child Development Institute (www.pcdi.org) or to the Greengard Center for Autism (www.greengardcenter.org).

Lilia D. Lantin

July 6, 1940 - October 16, 2023