Yolinda Reyes Hayag

Yolinda “Linda” Reyes Hayag, revered as a pillar of strength and the matriarch of the Reyes family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 16, 2024 with her husband holding her hand and sitting by her side. Linda was born on August 16, 1939 to Miguel and Salud Reyes in Cavite City, Philippines.

She attended Sta. Cruz Elementary, XIII Martyrs Memorial School, Cavite Central Institute, and Manila Secretarial & Administration School. In 1966 she married the love of her life, Eduardo “Eddie” Hayag.

The two of them made their way to the United States and never left. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 58 years, Eduardo Hayag; her son, Glen Hayag and wife Julia, their children, Amanda, Ariel, Kieran, Madison, and Kellan; her daughter, Mileidee “Lei” Hayag-Parian and husband Glenn and their children, Dominic Roy and Gailenn Joy. Additionally, Linda was one of thirteen children. She leaves behind seven surviving sisters and brothers, dozens of nieces and nephews, and many more great-nieces and great-nephews. She will forever be known to her family for her generosity, respectfulness, and kindness.

As a young adult Linda worked as an administrative assistant at the Bureau of Customs, Port Area, Manila. A majority of her career was spent as a lead electronics assembler at Action Instruments for over 20 years, but her main role was being a dedicated mother. She treasured her two children and embraced every moment she was able to share with them. She especially loved her role as Mama/Grandma. She had a warm personality and always made her kids and grandchildren feel special. She enjoyed cooking for her family and made sure everyone was well fed and satisfied. She loved her family and instilled in them strong values that have served them well. She was the heart and soul of the family, and will be dearly missed. Cooking was Linda’s love language. She was a compassionate spirit whose passion was cooking and caring for others. She was able to cook all Filipino foods, but her family would have to say that she made the best pancit, lumpia, sinigang, chicken adobo, mechado, potato salad, and every kind of Filipino dessert. She enjoyed seeing her family devour her tasty dishes because she knew that food was the way to everyone's’ heart. Not only was Linda a fantastic cook, she was also highly skilled at crocheting, an avid gardener, a talented floral arranger, and a clever card player. She also enjoyed her outings to the local casino with her husband and siblings. It wasn’t all about winning on the slot machines, but the bonding experience that she shared with sisters and brothers as they ate, told stories and laughed.

Linda’s loss is deeply felt by her immense family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched. One of Linda’s favorite Bible verses was Jeremiah 31:3, The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. . . .”