Leilani Santa Elena Remias

Erlinda “Leilani” Santa Elena Remias, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and woman of deep Catholic faith, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, surrounded by the prayers and love of her family.

Born on March 1, 1941, in Cavite, Philippines, Leilani was the third of ten children born to Felisa Akbay Santa Elena and Antonio Santa Elena. Her name reflected her life. Erlinda means gentle-noble warrior, and Leilani means heavenly flower.

From a young age, she became a dependable and trusted presence within her family, helping care for her siblings and ensuring everyone was provided for. That same spirit of love and responsibility remained with her throughout her life.

In 1960, she traveled to San Francisco with her older sister, where she began working and continued her lifelong dedication to family.

Leilani was known for her grace, beauty, and quiet strength. She carried herself with dignity and kindness and always put others before herself. She was the heart of her family, caring for those around her and holding them together through every season of life.

She also had a long and rewarding career, dedicating over 30 years to C. Lloyd Johnson Company and later Acosta. As an accounting clerk and later a consultant, she was known for her reliability, attention to detail, and strong work ethic, supporting clients and contributing to the success of the business. Even into her 80s, she continued consulting, a testament to her dedication and the trust others placed in her.

She brought that same commitment and care to her family, always putting others first and ensuring those she loved were provided for.

When she was not working, Leilani enjoyed shopping, getting her nails done with her granddaughters, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and creating special memories together.

She shared a deep and enduring bond with her husband, Leonardo “Ding” Remias, whom she met in Daly City while he was serving in the United States Navy at Naval Air Station Alameda. Together, they built a life centered on faith, love, and family.

A lifelong member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for over 50 years, Leilani faithfully served as the wedding coordinator and a leader in the Cleaning Angels ministry, generously giving her time in service to the Church and its community. She was also an active member of the Catholic Daughters of America, the Women’s Club, the Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Funeral Reception Ministry Team. Her faith was not only something she believed. It was something she lived every day.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Leonardo “Ding” Remias; her children, Leonard (Len) and his wife Lerma, and their children Leland and his wife Sarah, Leighton, and Lily Grace; Leah Colvin and her husband Joe, and their children Chloe and her husband Drew, and Kameron; Lyndon and his wife Susan, and their children Ryan and Jayden and his wife Lexi; Lynwood (Woody) and his wife Jean, and their children Mila and Reina; and Lee and his wife Jennifer, and their children Robin, Leilani, and Leo; three great-grandchildren; and many extended family members.

Thank you for your faith, your love, and the example you gave us. We hope and pray that you are now resting in peace with our Heavenly Father.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502. A Wake liturgy will take place at 6:00 p.m.during the visitation.

The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 7800 Halprin Dr, Norfolk, VA 23518. A reception in the Parish Hall will follow immediately after the Mass.

The Committal liturgy will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens following the reception.