Merlinda B. Hernandez

On June 4, 1942 Merlinda “Merly” Pasaoa Benito was born in Maningding, Santa Barbara, Pangasinan, Philippines. She was the second out of six children of Florencio and Brigida Benito. Her siblings were Raymundo (deceased), Herminia, Manuel (deceased), Rodolfo, and Helen. She is survived by four daughters: Benilda, Marissa, Maria Cecilia, and Merlinda Jr. She had 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Merly lived in the Philippines until 1977 when she immigrated to the United States. In 1980 Merly was reunited with her daughters and they happily lived in San Diego, California for most of their lives. After moving to San Diego, Merly diligently studied the English language and received her education in Southwestern Community College. Afterwards she became a Quality Assurance Inspector for Qualidyne, an electronics company. During her retirement, Merly divided her time residing in San Diego and her home in the Philippines. For the last two years, she resided with her eldest daughter, Benilda, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

On early Sunday morning, May 7, 2023, she peacefully passed away surrounded by her daughters, her sisters, and grandchildren. Merly will forever be loved, cherished, remembered, and remain in our hearts and souls. She will be laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in San Diego, California on June 6, 2023. May God bless her forever and ever.