Erlinda Reyes

Erlinda (Liling) Reyes (nee Manabat) was born on June 15, 1935, in Binan, Laguna, Philippines to Felipa (nee Labao) and Vicente Manabat. She passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

Liling was a second mother and instrumental in raising her 7 younger siblings (Lourdes, Rodolfo, Purita, Conchita, Danilo, Victoriano, and Elena). In Binan, she was known for her kindness and beauty, often participating in the fiesta processions. She married Dr. Felino (Fely) Reyes, Jr. in 1962, and gave birth to their daughter, Maria Xenia, in 1963. The family moved to Ohio in 1968 and became American citizens on September 7, 1973. Although life in America was very different from that in Binan, Liling adapted.

When one thinks of Liling, many things came to mind: a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend; she was a wonderful cook & baker; a nurturing, loving caregiver for the children of others; a master at filet crochet with fine thread and tiny crochet hooks. Anyone entering the Reyes home would see the beautiful delicately crocheted tablecloths and runners, pillows, and doilies Liling made. Packed lunches were very rarely peanut butter and jelly nor a sandwich of any kind. They were usually rice with some sort of savory accompaniment (ulam) and a miniature home baked frosted cake or Philippine delicacy for dessert. Liling always had some merienda (Filipino snack) ready. Although authentic ingredients were not readily available, Liling found ways to use available ingredients to make authentic Filipino food. People knew that when a party was at the Reyes home, there would be delicious food and lots of it. During the day, Liling took care of children in the Reyes home so parents could attend work or school. Filipino parents heard about her via word of mouth and entrusted her with their children. Liling cared for these children as if they were her own, and their families became part of the Reyes family. She was "Mama Liling" or "Tita Liling" to many of the children and Ate (title of respect for older sister/ relative) to their parents.

Liling enjoyed watching American soap operas, Filipino teledramas, and cooking shows. She liked reading tsismis (gossip) magazines and also copying recipes. Liling enjoyed traveling and experiencing new things with immediate and extended family. Her travels included trips to Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan, several countries in Europe, many parts of the United States, and multiple trips back to many areas of her native Philippines. Liling played tennis and also dabbled in golf with her family. One of her favorite things to do was shop, which was always included in the travels. In later years, she took care of her husband when his health declined.

Liling was preceded in death by Fely, her husband of 50 years; her parents; brothers Rodolfo (Illuminada), Danilo (Rosemarie), and Victoriano (Rosita); sister Lourdes (Magin, deceased) Salmingo; and granddaughter Rosemary Kraus. She is survived by her daughter Maria Xenia (Robert) Kraus; sisters Purita (Prudente) Tobias, Conchita and Elena Manabat; grandchildren Anna Marie, Erica (Joseph Lerchbacker), John, and Stephen Kraus; nieces Karen (David) Harris, Kristen (Christopher) Morgan, Jhoanna (Raul) Sumbeling, Jennifer (Ninoy, deceased) Leyran, Jamie Jasmine (Levi) Cruz, Rosette Manabat, and Dianne Manabat; nephews Dexter (Leah) Salmingo, Joliver Manabat, Jonathan (Celestina) Manabat, and Rudolf ("RV") Manabat; many great nieces and nephews; and many friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Maria Amelita Quedding-Pizarro for the many years of care and friendship of Liling. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, especially the Summit County team of Leah, Judy, Chelsea, Julie, Carianne, and Mary.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at Hummel Funeral Home (2800 West Market Street, Fairlawn, OH 44333). The Mass of Christian Burial will be on January 21st, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Sebastian Church (476 Mull Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44320). Cremation will occur after the mass, and interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Akron in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve.