Erlinda Argote Tumanda

*To help celebrate Erlinda’s beautiful life, we encourage everyone to wear bright spring colors to her Memorial Visitation and Mass.*

Erlinda Argote Tumanda peacefully entered God’s embrace on April 6, 2026, in Paterson, New Jersey, at the age of 69.

Born on February 26, 1957, in Manila, Philippines, Erlinda lived a life rich in faith, dedication, hard work, and joy, touching everyone who knew her. She embodied the warmth and resilience of her Filipino heritage, remaining deeply connected to her roots after moving to the United States in 1981. Initially settling in Detroit, she later relocated to New Jersey in 1983, where she resided for the remainder of her life.

Erlinda proudly graduated from the esteemed University of Santo Tomas in Manila, completing her nursing education in 1979. This foundation paved the way for a fulfilling career in healthcare. Prior to her retirement, she dedicated over 40 years as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph University Medical Center in Paterson, providing not only skillful care but also spreading compassion, comfort, and dignity to countless patients and families. Her unwavering dedication to nursing exemplified her character, earning her respect for both professionalism and kindness.

Faith was a cornerstone of Erlinda’s life. She actively attended Mass at various local churches, including St. Clare R.C. Church, St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, St. Paul R.C. Church, the Holy Face Monastery in Clifton, and St. Agnes R.C. Church in Paterson. Her devotion was reflected in her daily life, and her presence in these communities brought comfort and joy to many. She drew strength from prayer, fellowship, and song, generously sharing her spirit with others.

Erlinda had a passion for singing and shared that passion, formally as a member of multiple church choirs, and with friends and family over countless hours of karaoke.  Her love for music was a vibrant expression of her lively personality, characterized by humor, adventure, and finding joy in life’s simplest pleasures —qualities that endeared her to all fortunate enough to know her.

Erlinda made the most of her brief retirement,  seizing the chance to explore the world and make the most of every new day. Her journeys took her to Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Jordan, Israel, Italy, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Greece, Poland, Mexico, Belize, and her favorite city, Paris, France. She cherished the diverse cuisines she encountered, yet her fondest culinary memory remained the simple blueberry muffin from Dunkin Donuts.

Erlinda leaves behind a lasting legacy through her daughter, Kristine Nativo, along with several nieces and nephews in the Philippines. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rodney Diwa, and siblings Remedios, Nardo, Tess, and Lourdes. Her family and loved ones will remember her for her unwavering devotion, humor, courage, and the many ways she enriched their lives.

Erlinda’s life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication, and joy. Her journey reflects the essence of resilience and the profound impact one individual can have on their community and loved ones.   She was a woman of great faith, a dedicated nurse, a loving mother and warm friend, as well as a spirited soul. Her laughter, music, and adventurous heart illuminated the lives of those around her, leaving cherished memories for all who knew her.

Memorial Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton followed by an 11:00 am Mass at St. Clare R.C. Church, 69 Allwood Road, Clifton, NJ. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.  Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences on the Tribute Wall section of the online obituary. 

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