Erlinda G. Venturina

Erlinda Gardose Venturina, of St. Alban’s, NY passed away on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the age of 83, while admitted at Queens Center Hospital, after battling a recent diagnosis of bulbar palsy. She died peacefully with her beloved children and grandchildren at bedside.

Erlinda, known fondly as “Mama” by her family, and nicknamed “Inday”- colloquial for young, precious girl, by her closest friends, was born in the town of San Agustin, Dumalag, Capiz, Philippines on July 15, 1939 to her father, Ereneo Gardose and mother Josefa Felifa. The fourth eldest of six children, she worked as a seamstress, hair stylist and manicurist. She met her husband Fortunato Venturina while doing her seamstress work, and she was the only one of her siblings to immigrate to America, settling in New York City in the winter of 1983 with her husband and children.

In America, Mama was the true matriarch of the Venturina family, hence “Mama”. She spent many years as the caretaker and caregiver to her children and grandchildren with her relentless smile, laughter, and clapping of her hands when she was happy, frequently reminding us “happiness” and the “Lord Jesus” kept her young and vibrant for all those years. She was a proud “Mama”, often boasting about the accomplishments of all her children and grandchildren and teased that all the good looks in the family were most likely from the “Gardose” side of the family.

Mama will always be known for her effervescent spirit and generosity. She was a devout Catholic, with a very active presence at the Ascension Roman Catholic Church in Flushing, NY. Although nothing beats spending time with her grandchildren, she enjoyed the slot machines of Atlantic City, praying to hit that elusive jackpot.

Mama is survived by her 4 children Maria Leah, Jose Carlo, Rebecca, and Romano; daughter in-law Christeta, son in-law Joseph, her eight grandchildren: Harold Benedict, Gerald Lloyd, Jennifer Ashley, Lorraine, Amanda Lealynn, Justin, Talia, and Luke Rhys; her great grandchildren: Alexander Joseph and Sawyer Lynn. Mama is also survived by her sibling Anesia. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fortunato, siblings: Julieta, Augustino, Nemesio Sr., and Eufresino and her son Joseph. Mama also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and loving friends.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone as Mama, “For Mother’s really never die – they just keep house up in the sky… And in the heavenly home above – they wait to welcome those they love.” Share your stories of remembrance on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022, at Frederick Funeral Home from 4-8pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Venturina family.