Erlinita Aquino Arinduque
Obituary
December 29, 1942 to January 21, 2025
Beloved mother, wife, grandmother, and the unofficial CEO of her immediate and extended families, Erlinita Aquino Arinduque, 82, of San Felipe, Zambales, Philippines, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 21, 2025 in San Diego, California. While her family can’t imagine life without her, they take solace in knowing she’s likely organizing the angels into a heavenly social and cruise committee.
Erlinita was born in 1942 to Tomas Aruiza Aquino and Librada Labrador de los Reyes Aquino in the Philippines, where she spent the first half of her life. As a student, she was always the number 1 in class as 1st honorable mention from 1st grade to 6th grade. She then attended St. Columban’s High School where she was the first graduate and valedictorian for the class of 1958. She received a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition studies at the University of Santo Tomas in 1962. There, she set the stage for a lifetime of healthy living—though she had a particular fondness for sweet treats and sweet drinks (moscato was her recent favorite).
She is now reunited in peace with her brother, Ruben Aquino, and leaves behind her devoted husband of 57+ years, Cesar Sahagun Arinduque; her loving children, Eric and Nanette (Yvonne); and her adored grandchildren, Skylar, Kaela, Dillin, Melissa Zahno (Nong Mild), Tyler, and Toby.
Erlinita wore many hats in her lifetime including computer programmer, realtor, entrepreneur, and tireless volunteer for the American Cancer Society and San Rafael Church Ladies Guild and choir member. But her proudest titles were “Manang”, “Auntie Baby”, “Mom” and “Lola” and she was never far from the sidelines of all the family events and tsismis.
Her home was the heart of many family holidays, filled with laughter, delicious food, talent shows and her legendary fruitcakes— carefully rationed out like treasures.
Erlinita loved to travel, and she and Cesar became world explorers, racking up many miles on Princess Cruises. In her golden years, her love of the ocean alongside Cesar’s passion for fishing led to weekly walks at Shelter Island. San Diego has been home for over 53+ years. May Erlinita rest in peace in heaven.
Her Life and Legacy
She was born and raised in Sto Nino, San Felipe, Zambales
She departed peacefully on January 21, 2025 at the age of 82.
She is an alumni of Saint Columban High School (1958) in San Felipe, Zambales and University of Santo Tomas (1962)
Parents: Tomas Aruiza Aquino (d) and Librada delos Reyes Aquino (d)
Brother: Ruben Delos Reyes Aquino (d)
Survived by:
- Cesar Sahagun Arinduque – very loving and devoted husband
- Son – Eric Arinduque
- Daughter – Yvonne (Nanette) Wong
- Son in law – Stuart Wong
- Grandchildren – Tyler Wong, Toby Wong, Skylar Arinduque, Kaela Arinduque, Dillin Arinduque, Melissa Zahno (Nong Mild)
- Numerous relatives and friends, especially the following during this trying time: Virgie Aquino, Sherwin Aquino, Rose and John Alferos, Bradpans and Nancy Francia, Gulliermo and Nancy Abaya, Kristine Alferos, Krystal Alferos Tolentino, Elaine Francia Fernando, Cathy Francia, Mary Ann and Glenn Puzon, St. Columban’s alumni, all at Villa Lorena.
Services
Viewing – February 4, 2025 4-8PM
El Camino Memorial
5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121
Private Broadcast
https://www.viewlogies.net/el-camino-memorial/-Fc0xNFpW?pin=357352
Funeral service -February 5, 2025 10AM
El Camino Memorial
5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121
Private Broadcast
https://www.viewlogies.net/el-camino-memorial/ymidO7bvZ?pin=348155
Her remains will be cremated.
Flowers and/or cards can be sent to:
Cesar Arinduque at Villa Lorena
14740 Via Fiesta, #215
San Diego, CA 92127
Good Times
Gallery
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-diego-ca/erlinita-arinduque-12210693
Rest in eternal peace. You are loved and you will be missed dearly.
Manang Baby your life is worthy of emulation. You live life to the fullest and achieved your goals . We will surely miss you and don’t worry we will take care by of Manong. Till we meet again.
Thank you for welcoming us into your (extended) family so many years ago. May you find peace in eternal rest. Love always – Sunnyvale Wongs (Nanette, Stuart, Tyler & Toby)
Rest in peace manang. The one I always call “Lady “and her smiles are all up to her ears. Thank you for your noble service as one of the founders and organizing committee on our ALMA MATER SCHS ALUMNI USA. You will always be remembered 💖 ❤️
We will always remember your kindness, laughter and energy. Thank you for taking care of us and making us feel like family whenever we would visit you and Cesar in San Diego. Many wonderful memories we have shared and are forever grateful for those times. Rest in eternal peace Nita. Love, Robert and Ann.
We are honored and blessed to have shared fun and loving memories together. Your class reunion in Vegas was a blast. So glad we were able to visit and spend time with you this past September. Grateful to be a part of your family circle. Eternal Rest Grant Unto you Oh Lord, and may the perpetual light shine upon you and may the souls of all of the faithful departed through the mercy of God Rest in Peace. Amen.
Mama,
Rest in peace. You taught me to be good, work hard, have fun, and never give up. Your life lessons helped me make it to where I am now, and I’m passing them on to my kids, and grandchildren. Thinking of you every day!–The Arinduques in Thailand (Eric, Dokmai & Sarapao)
Rest in peace grandma. May your memory be a blessing. Gone but not forgotten. You will be forever in our hearts.
Rest in paradise.
Grandma,
I remember it like just the other day when I stayed with you and grandpa for that short time, my memories with you always represented a time where things were much simpler, family came together, and you always made sure we made the best of the day we had ahead of us. I’ve always wanted to thank you for that, because you left me with some of my most cherished memories before we lost touch when my siblings and I moved to Vegas in 2004. I wish I can understand why things turned out the way that they did, but I think about you and grandpa constantly, even after all of these years. I’m glad you are able to finally rest and be at peace, but I wanted to also remind you that no matter how much time passed by I always loved you and I’m grateful for the time we did have together even though I wished we could have had more. I also wanted to give my deepest condolences to the rest of the family, but especially my Grandfather Cesar. Thank you for taking care of my Grandmother for all of these years, through the good times but most importantly, the tough times. I will forever be grateful.
With tons of Love,
♥ Sky