Erlinda Sotomayor Marin, 76, joined her Creator Oct. 19, 2004, from the comfort and safety of her home in Oak Harbor.

Erlinda was born in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines, March 30, 1928, to Juanito and Corazon Sotomayor. She grew up in the province of Laguna and was a very outgoing young lady. She loved to swim and was nicknamed “Queen of the River.” When Erlinda became an adult, she moved to Manila, where she attended a vocational school for sewing and became one of the city’s best seamstresses.

Erlinda was affectionately known as “Mommy” or “Grandma” with family and her many friends. She lived in Oak Harbor for the past 13 years, where she helped raise her four granddaughters and her only great-grandson.

Grandma was always the center of attention and had a special charisma about her that people loved. She told countless stories about her youth and experiences and was known for her comedic delivery, making people laugh so hard it brought them to tears. Grandma enjoyed cooking, and one could always find her sitting in the kitchen chopping up vegetables while telling stories.

Erlinda is survived by her three children, daughter Winnie and son Butch, both of Oak Harbor, son Frank from the Philippines; four granddaughters, Hazel from Lynnwood, Crystalyn from Bellingham, Jaemee and Charlene, both from Oak Harbor; one grandson, Jefferson, in the Philippines; and one great-grandson, Jaedan of Oak Harbor, along with countless friends and family throughout the world. She was preceded in death by her father Juanito R. Sotomayor, mother Corazon A. Sotomayor, and her beloved husband Severino E. Marin.

Visitation and Rosary recitation were Oct. 22. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m., at St. Augustine’s, Rev. Ronald J. Belisle, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2120 1st Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.