Minerva Kakilala Naldo

Mini moved to the United States with her family in 1963. A few years later, already working professionally, she discovered Opus Dei and its founder, St. Josemaria Escriva, and, feeling herself called by God, was enthused with the possibility of helping people get closer to God in the context of ordinary life. Over the years, with no letup in her professional life, she loved to organize and run girls’ clubs, she staffed retreats and workshops for adult women, and she led groups of women who met weekly to read the Gospel and consider practical ways in which they could live their Christian mission to the full. An adventurous traveler, Mini organized many pilgrimages to Rome, to Spain, and to various shrines in the States and in the Philippines.

Mini was a trained dancer in ballet, Philippine cultural dance, and Hawaiian cultural dance. Into her 70s, she retained the grace and beauty of movement that characterized her performances throughout her lifetime. Her last dance performance was on April 25, 2020, celebrating the birthday of a friend.

Mini was also an adventurous and creative cook with a wonderful ability to draw out flavor. She painted and sketched. She loved to sing and play the piano by ear. She loved decorating for celebrations and creating a joyful and exuberant living environment for her friends and family.

She was deeply grateful for the opportunities she had to care for the sick and dying. She is remembered as being an affectionate and willing caregiver for her friends Emelia Riesgo, Joan Delain and others in their last days. It was most meaningful for her to return to the Philippines in the early 2000’s to take care of her father, whom she was with until his dying hour. In her last years, she put her whole heart into caring for her mother. In addition to Mini’s daily duties, she and her brothers and sisters organized memorable birthday parties for Mrs. Naldo. Who can forget the wonderful times we all shared dining, singing, and dancing together at those celebrations of life, family and friends?

Mini is survived by her mother, Gregoria Naldo, aged 99, her five brothers and sisters: M Filipinas Naldo-Fontelo, Sofia Naldo, Rey Naldo, Jose Naldo and Semper Fidelis Naldo, nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and nephews, and by her many friends who loved her and miss her dearly.

A wonderful way to honor Mini's memory would be to give a donation, in Mini's name, to the project of moving Stonecrest to VA, a project she was involved in and prayed for every day. They can make a donation by sending a check to Stonecrest Home Arts (see the donations link), or by making a donation via our website: http://www.stonecresthomearts.org/give