Apolinaria Derecho Obituary

Apolinaria Galang Derecho, lovingly known as "Polly," was born on September 21, 1942, in the Province of Tarlac, Philippines, to the late Andres Matias and Potenciana Galang Matias. She passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Polly was the devoted wife of Nestor Barriga Derecho, with whom she shared more than 60 years of marriage, built on love, faith, and commitment to their family. Polly dedicated her life to caring for others, working as a registered nurse at multiple hospitals throughout the Charleston area. She was a very personable woman who never met a stranger and always put others before herself. She deeply loved her family and found joy in cooking for them, traveling together, and especially going on cruises. She was an avid mahjong player. She was also actively associated with the FILAM, FCC, and FNA where she proudly celebrated her heritage and remained connected to her cultural roots.

She is survived by her loving husband and caregiver, Nestor Barriga Derecho; her children: Daphne Fulda (Walter), Michelle Robinson, and Marlon Derecho; her grandchildren: Shannon Fulda (Tony Collins), Brenden Fulda (Danica), Christina Robinson, Benjamin Robinson (Katelyn), and Andrew Robinson; as well as her beloved great grandchildren: Owen Collins, Harper Collins, Kennedy Fulda, and Olivia Fulda. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 6pm to 8pm at James A. Dyal Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be held at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church on Friday, January 2, 2026, beginning at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow at Plantation Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Kidney Foundation.