Rita Lynda Punla Africa

Lynn was born on 22 May 1948, to Victorio and Efigenia Punla in Caloocan, Manila, Philippines. After graduating from St. Joseph Academy, she went on to study Business Management/Accounting at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. Upon completing college studies at the age of 20, Lynn flew to Los Angeles as a Graduation Award from her parents.

In 1969, Lynn met Marciano (Rocky/Marcy) Africa Jr. by chance, at the home of her Aunt, Ms. Auring Tolentino, in Upland, CA. They immediately hit it off and married five months later, on 17 May 1969. The Newlyweds lived in Upland, California and the two had their first child, Jamieson, in April 1970. Their second child, Eileen, was born in Hollywood, CA in June 1972, and their third child, Cheryl, was born in Houston, TX in August 1982.

After one week of working for Shell Oil in Los Angeles, Rocky, Lynn and family were then transplanted to Houston in February 1974. The Africa Family immediately befriended and became active in the Houston Northwest Fil-Am community.

Lynn dedicated her life to being a Fantastic and Wonderful Mother, Loving Grandmother, and Passionate Great-Grandmother. She excelled at supporting her children's numerous interests in academics, arts and sports. Lynn supported her family through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Her home was and ALWAYS is open to family and friends.

As a devout Roman Catholic, Lynn and Rocky passionately organized and operated numerous Block Fatima Prayer Groups in Texas, California, Europe and Asia. When she wasn’t filling her home with laughter, warmth and kindness, she could be found sharing her love of travel, food, parties, shopping and gaming with family and friends.

Lynn was predeceased by her Father, Victorio Punla, Mother, Efigenia Canilao and youngest sister, Victoria (Darling) Agabon. She is survived by her husband, Marciano Africa Jr., her three children, Jamieson, Eileen, and Cheryllynn, son-in-laws, Joheris (Joe) Exito and Federico (Freddy) Valencia, grandchildren, Alexander, Emi, Iza and great-granddaughter, Delilah Exito. Lynn is also survived by her brother, Christopher (Perry) Punla, and sisters, Cynthia (Jing) Fernando, and Nympha (Nini) Tamayo, as well as a host of family members.

We will miss Lynn immensely.

We welcome family and friends to gather and share memories starting at 6:00 PM.

A visitation for Rita Lynda will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A visitation will occur Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A rosary service will occur Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home. A funeral mass will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 TX 249, Houston, TX 77070. A committal service will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

A reception following the burial committal will occur Friday, February 3, 2023 at 1:15pm at Price of Peace Catholic Church, 19222 TxX249, Houston Tx 77070.

Contributions in Rita Lynda's memory may be made to contact: Cheryllynn Africa Valencia at 702-338-9598.