Erlinda Rodriguez Surban passed away on January 14, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 82.
Last Respects may be paid on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 9:00am – 11:30am, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00pm, at St. Anthony Church, Tamuning. Interment Services to follow immediately at Our Lady of Peace Memorial Gardens, Windward Hills, Yona.
Erlinda Rodriguez Surban passed away on January 14, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 82. Erlinda was born on November 13, 1941, in Bulacan, Bulacan in the Philippines, to Francisco Rodriguez, Sr. and Asuncion Gonzalez Rodriguez. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Far Eastern University in Manila and on January 19, 1969, married Roger Surban. After the birth of their first child, Erlinda immigrated to Guam to join Roger. They have three beautiful children: Sarah Jane, Sheila Marie, and Steven.
As the fifth out of ten children, Erlinda started working at an early age. Recognized by her family as very diligent, she earned her bachelor’s degree while employed at a trading firm. When she moved to Guam, she entered the insurance and real estate industries, which led her and Roger to entrepreneurship. They established an insurance brokerage and real estate company of their own while managing a mom-and-pop store connected to apartments and a laundromat. Erlinda also served on the Community Liaison staff of the Governor’s Office of Guam. These ventures embedded her in the business community of Guam, where she and Roger remained active in civic and social events, such as with the Bicol Club and Filipino Club of Guam. She was encouraged by her best friend Celia Snaer to learn ballroom dancing, an activity she enjoyed with Roger, an avid dancer. She also loved to hold family gatherings and was devoted to hosting annual rosaries for St. Joseph, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and the Divine Mercy celebrations. After surviving a three-week coma in 2009, she and Roger relocated to Honolulu, where she remained active as President of Patient Representation at Hale Nani Nursing Home. Her tenacity to live is unquestionable: she continued to fight for her health despite her circumstances.
Erlinda was an incredible wife and mother, a beautiful soul whose generosity and graciousness were exceeded only by her hard work and love for her family and friends, not only in Guam but also around the world. She was the glue that held all together. Erlinda loved to travel, exploring Europe, Canada, Japan, and the U.S. with Roger. She also enjoyed cooking and was an excellent chef, manifesting her love for family and friends in her gourmet Filipino dishes.
Erlinda is survived by her loving husband Roger; her three children and their spouses: Sarah and Byron Navarro; Sheila and Kevin Hulbert, Steven and Melissa Surban; and her grandson, Steffen. She is predeceased by her beloved granddaughter, Samantha Marie Frianeza Surban.
From the Rodriguez family she is survived by her siblings Francisco Rodriguez, Jr. (Minda), Rogelio Rodriguez, Cora Nazaire, Amelia Parcasio, Josephine Gomez, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families around the world. She is predeceased by her parents Francisco Sr. and Asuncion Rodriguez, brothers Ben and Ramon Rodriguez, and sisters Remedios Hobbins and Teresita Mines.
From the Surban family she is survived by Lourdes Surban, Evelyn Surban, Perla Cruz, Purita (Ronaldo) Mejia, Cesar Surban, Yolanda Uriza (Caloy), Edgar “Butching” Surban (Maili), Gerardo Surban (Beth), and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families. She is predeceased by her parents-in-law Amador and Severa Surban, sisters-in-law Leticia Perello (Prisco) and Minda Reglos (Rodolfo), brother-in-law Amador Surban, Jr., and baby Luz Surban.
Erlinda was beloved by all: by family and friends throughout her long life, and by her caregivers at the end. We will remember her passion for living, her compassion and extreme generosity, and her religious devotion. May God bless Erlinda, and may she rest in peace.