Merlina "Merlee" Maranan

Merlina “Merlee” Maranan was born to the late Clarita and Felix Catiban on September 15, 1948 at Ilog, Negros Occidental, Philippines. She was adopted and raised by Clarita’s older sister Lucia Cuenca and Francisco Mijares. She graduated at Far Eastern University and received her Bachelor of Arts, Major in History, Minor in English degree.

She married Cleto Granada Maranan in 1975 and was blessed with four children. Merlina started her career at PTV 4 as a Program Scriptwriter and a Talent Coordinator. She worked as an overseas contract worker in Saudi Arabia, Hongkong, and Japan from 1982 to 2000 to help with the growing needs and education of her children. In 2006, she and her husband immigrated to United States and created their life together in San Diego for the past 14 years in which became her second home.

Merlina was a devout Roman Catholic and instilled her faith to her family. She loved to cook, sing, travel, and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She was the kindest and most thoughtful person one could have ever known. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

Merlina died peacefully at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla on February 22, 2021 at the age of 72. She was survived by her husband Cleto; four children Flint (Jing), Tracy (Joy), Jennifer (Jennie), Maria Isolde (Goldie); eight grandchildren: Jasmine, Jeanelle, Jacob, Caleb, Emilie, Andrew, Audrey, and Lawrence II.

Her remains will be cremated and the memorial services will take place on April 3, 2021, Saturday, 11:00 AM at El Camino Memorial Sorrento Valley 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd San Diego, CA 92121.