Iluminada R. Gabriel

Iluminada Ronquillo Gabriel affectionately known as Lumen passed away peacefully on October 1st 2024 at St. John’s Riverside Hospital. She leaves behind her husband of 65 years Abelardo, son Joseph (Hyerim) predeceased, granddaughters Dr. Rachel Gabriel (Marius) and Dr. Katherine Gabriel and daughter Christie (Mark). Lumen was also a favorite Aunt to many of her nephews and nieces which she had remained very close to.

Lumen was born in Manila, Philippines on November 29, 1928 to Faustina and Laureano Ronquillo. She earned her teaching degree at Far Eastern University and then received her Masters in Education from Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She met her husband Abelardo who served in the United States Air Force stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. They settled in Yonkers, New York in 1966 joining two of her siblings who were living in New York at that time.

She then worked at Wilson Publishing in the Bronx, NY as a book indexer. Shortly after, she joined the Yonkers Public School system as a substitute teacher until she started a full-time position in 1972 as a librarian within the Yonkers Public School system until she retired from Mark Twain Middle School in 1992. She continued as a substitute teacher until the early 2000’s.

She was known for her generosity, hosting gatherings, and the love of cooking for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her memory to Loyola University Monroe Library, New Orleans Louisiana. 6363 St. Charles Ave., Campus Box 909 New Orleans, LA 70118 or online at

https://spark.loyno.edu/give

Visiting hours for Iluminada will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart, 110 Shonnard Pl, Yonkers, NY 10703. Final disposition is private.