Lydia Simbulan Concepcion,
Chemical Engineer & Assistant State Chemist
1934-2018
by Liza Concepcion Julien
Lydia Simbulan Concepcion was born on February 8, 1934 in Manila, Philippines to Bermundo Simbulan Sr. and Aurora Rivera, the second oldest of four children. In 1961 she married Ricardo Concepcion on New Year’s Eve and they lived a celebratory life for over 56 years. Together, they shared their passions for golf and travel both near and abroad.
She received a BS in both Chemical Engineering and Chemistry from Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, Philippines.
After moving to Salt Lake City, Lydia worked as a chemist for the Utah Department of Agriculture for 30 years, and became the Assistant State Chemist. She was the first Filipina and one of the first Asian women who worked at the Utah Department of Agriculture.
She was a talented pianist and painter as well as an avid learner. In her retirement she pursued learning the violin, guitar, watercolor, and acrylic painting. She thoroughly enjoyed time with family and friends and reveled in the stories and roaring laughter that ensued.
Liza Concepcion Julien is the daughter of Lydia Simbulan Concepcion. She wrote this biography as part of the “Pinay Visionaries: Celebrating Filipina American Women” campaign in 2019. Thanks also to OCA Asian Pacific Islander American Advocates Utah and Emilio Manuel Camu.