Erlinda Simon Catindig, our joyful, passionate, giving wife and mother, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2026, at the age of 72 surrounded by family. Her passing was unexpected, and the family is deeply affected by the loss. Erlinda was a strong, no-nonsense woman who placed family first. She was firm and held high expectations. Valuing responsibility and hard work; Erlinda also took the time to appreciate the beauty around her and instilled that same appreciation in her children through the arts.

Erlinda was born on September 14, 1953, in Olongapo, Philippines. The fifth of eight children and eldest daughter of Tomas and Asuncion Simon. Growing up she displayed a passion for the arts: music, dance, and beauty pageantry. Erlinda met the love of her life, Angel Laplana Catindig, on September 14, 1972, during her 18th birthday celebration. Throughout their courtship Erlinda attended Far Eastern University, earning her degree in accounting, where she graduated in 1974. She married Angel on July 20, 1975, in Olongapo City, Philippines. Soon after, their children were born: Angelo Arvin, Andrea-Lynne, Allan-Jay, and Angel JR. While raising her family she pursued many professions from a legal researcher for a law firm to accounting, and bookkeeping. Throughout their 50 plus years together, their lives were full of laughter - lighthearted to genuine hilarity to “we probably shouldn’t have said that” moments. By many, she was known simply as “Auntie,” opening her home to everyone, meals were offered, and friends became family. Although she preferred going “pasyal”her overall goal was family time, and enjoying each other ’s company.

Erlinda is survived by her husband Angel and their four children: Angelo Arvin and his wife Arlene of Chula Vista, California. Andrea-Lynne and her husband Louie-Jo Gabiola of Winchester, California. Allan-Jay and his wife Christen of Sierra Vista, Arizona. And Angel JR and his wife Maria Janette of Juneau, Alaska. Lovingly called “Lola” by her “mga apo”: Malina Marie, Jordan Michael, Adriel Nathan, Ana-Lynne Maya, Ariana Brooklyn, Avery Reece, Aria Lorelai, Ava-Lorie Madison, Jocelyn-Aubrey, Aurora Jubilee, Adonijah Jay, Azaiah Christopher, and Aliyus Ephraim. As well as, her first great grand-child, Drew Flores. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Tomas and Asuncion, brothers Reynaldo, Rudolfo, Armando, and grand babies, Ayden, Anderson, and Amadeus Matthew.

She instilled in us a passion for family, standing our ground, rising up, and taking on life’s problems head on. Those who knew her respected her strength and reliability. Though her passing was sudden, the love and fire she gave us will remain forever aflame. We will carry her lessons, her warmth, and her memory with us everyday. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.