Lilian King

Lilian King, age 73, passed away on February 20, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. One hundred years would not have been enough time with her, but she lived more life in her 73 years than many do. 

Born on September 26, 1948 in Tangub City in the Philippines, Lilian was one of 14 children. She was the only sibling who knew everyone on both sides of her family and spent her teenage years running track and field (sprinting and pole vaulting) and offering to do odd jobs for family so that she could travel. She earned an Industrial Engineering degree from San Jose Recollecos in the Philippines, where she was the captain of the volleyball team. 

She emigrated from the Philippines to the US in 1972 after marrying her pen pal and love of her life, the late William Joseph King. After settling in the Pittsburgh area, she worked as an engineer at Caterpillar. She and Bill undertook the task of facilitating immigration and giving a home to her mother and 12 of her siblings. 

Lilian spent much of her adult life doing what she was best at: taking care of others. She raised her seven sons and one daughter and then jumped right into helping to care for her grandchildren. When her husband retired, she started a new career as a bus driver. Her years were filled with hundreds of basketball games, volleyball games, swim meets, birthday parties and family vacations. 

After her husband's passing, Lilian was determined to honor their plan of traveling the world after the children were grown. She traveled with friends, family and sometimes on her own to the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Singapore, Puerto Rico and all around the United States. 

Lilian is survived by her mother, Delapaz Cortes Hinog, her eight children (Joseph King, William King, Elizabeth Schuster, David King, Patrick King, Francis King, Anthony King and Michael King), their spouses and her 18 grandchildren, to whom she was better known as Lolee. She also leaves behind the hundreds of friends and honorary family that she made around the world. She dedicated her life, love and boundless energy to her siblings, children, grandchildren, and friends who will carry on her legacy of kindness, charity, and sense of self. 

Lilian was first and foremost a giver—of love, charity, food, unsolicited advice, and questionable gifts. Her authenticity, positivity, sense of humor and eccentricity will be greatly missed. 

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 24th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at McDonald Linn Funeral Home at 529 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Friday, February 25th at 11am. If desired, friends may make a donation in Lilian's name to UNICEF Philippines (unicef.org/philippines) and condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonald-linn.com

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