Erlinda Licuanan Obituary

Erlinda Manzanares Licuanan was called home by the Lord on the morning of August 30, 2025. She was lovingly greeted by her parents, Pedro and Eufracia Manzanares; and her sisters, Immaculada Decena and Elizabeth Manzanares Taylor, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her devoted husband, Leonardo Licuanan; her siblings, Edna Manzanares and Peter Manzanares; her children, Lourdes Anne and Laura Lee Licuanan; her grandchildren, Leo Peter, Eudiosa Lynn, Simon Joseph, and Angelo Lee; sons-in-law, Peter Sima-Eichler and Marcus Barbagallo; and many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Erlinda was born in Manila, Philippines on December 20, 1945. She frequently reminisced about growing up with happiness and gratitude. She always noted late nights laughing with her sisters and brother, eating mangos from her grandmother's tree, dancing with Bayanihan National Philippine Dance Company, and even running her own empanada stand with her friends. She received her degree from Mapua University, but it was while teaching chemistry at the Philippine Institute of Technology that she met the love of her life, Leo.

Erlinda and Leo, most fondly referred to as Ate Lin and Kuya Leo, were married on March 9, 1974. Soon after, they were venturing across the world, first settling in Michigan, to plant new roots. They brought their strong faith and deep love of their Filipino culture as a foundation. During her life in the States, she assumed many roles. Erlinda became an accomplished chemist to whom her peers often turned to gain insight into her efficiency and never-failing accuracy. She was never wrong. She was an active member of church and Filipino communities wherever she found herself. In these circles, she was revered for her cooking abilities. However, the roles that were most important to her were those of family - wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. These are the roles in which she will be most dearly missed.

She was completely unselfish with her kindness and generosity, and those who knew her best could always count on her good humor and sharp wit. Erlinda will be remembered as a woman of immense strength, whose love and faith were so strong that it gave those who knew her courage and peace in their own lives.

The Funeral Mass for Erlinda will be Celebrated Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenville, SC.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to Catholic TV who allowed Erlinda to access mass and prayer in her last years.

Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Erlinda with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".