Erlinita Aquino Arinduque

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 1st honorable mention from 1st grade to High School. She then attended St. Columban’s High School and graduated as the first valedictorian (Class of 1958) before pursuing a B.S. in Food and Nutrition studies at the University of Santo Tomas (Class of 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, Skyler, Kaela, Dillon, 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. 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 50 years. May Erlinita rest in peace in heaven.