Lourdes "Lulu" Manuel Luistro

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lourdes Manuel Luistro, who died peacefully on May 5^th, 2023 at the age of 78, surrounded by her two daughters, son-in-law, and four grandchildren in their home in Farmington, UT. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and teacher who touched the lives of countless students and friends throughout her life.

Lourdes or Lulu as her friends called her, was born in the province of Tarlac, Philippines, to the late Juan Manuel and Leonor Sapinoro Manuel, where she spent her childhood with her mother, grandma Marcela and older brothers Valentin and Ricardo. She was fond of climbing fruit trees planted in the backyard and watching the carabaos plow their farm. In her high school years, she found the education material easy and quickly became an “A” student through high school until she moved to Manila to study Bachelor of Science in Education and was consistently on the Dean’s list. She became a teacher in the 70s at Isabelo delos Reyes Elementary School, where she spent over 30 years as a teacher, touching the lives of countless children and families. Her tireless dedication to education and to her students was matched only by her warmth and kindness. She inspired her students to be curious, compassionate, and resilient in the face of challenges.

While attending college at the University of the East, Manila, she met her then-future husband, Agaton Luistro. They grew fond of each other’s company and opened their hearts, leading to them tying the knot on November 5, 1967. They were blessed over the years with 3 darling children; Leah, Howell, and Jill, whom they raised in a loving home and safe community. Eventually, all their children went to college with their support. She loved spending the summers with her family in the provinces of Tarlac and Romblon where she and her spouse were raised. The couple both made sure their 3 children bonded with their big family on a regular basis and kept a tight-knit family tradition through the years.

One of her passions was dressmaking and sewing. She demonstrated this skill by making her children’s school uniforms from elementary school all the way thru college. She was also a fan of pageantry and was always in the know of the Miss Universe pageant, year after year.

After retiring as an educator Lourdes migrated to the US in 2000 to start a new chapter in her life. She became an activity aid for Alden Nursing Homes in Bloomingdale, IL. She was beloved by her peers and the nursing home residents where she kept the elders under her care, active and entertained. She retired in 2014 and cared for her husband, Agaton, who preceded her in death in 2016.

Through her passion for cooking, gardening, and traveling she discovered new cultures and experiences that enriched her life. She also loved to connect with her friends and family through Facebook cherishing every moment of conversations and updates. Lourdes adored her grandchildren. She loved cooking for them and ensured they were well taken care of when she is around them. Lourdes moved to Utah with Jill and her family in 2019, where she spent her last years gardening, going out shopping in Asian stores, and keeping in touch with her close family and friends over the phone. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she was happiest when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children; Leah Roy, Howell Luistro, and Jill Jones, along with the grandchildren; Julianna Roy (Leah’s daughter), Luigi Luistro (Howells’ son), Julian, Jolie, and Jiles Jones (Jill’s children). 

She was preceded in death by her father Juan, mother Leonor, and brothers Ricardo and Valentin.

A service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, May 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Leavitt’s Mortuary and Memorial Park 836 36^th St. in Ogden. A dinner to celebrate her life follows at Stella’s on 25^th St. in Ogden.

May you rest in peace, Lulu. Your legacy of love and joy will continue to resonate with all whose lives you touched. Your passing leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of friends and family but will find comfort in the cherished memories they hold of you. You will forever be missed