Erlinda Castillo Capua

Erlinda Castillo Capua passed away peacefully at her home in Largo, FL on June 18, 2024. Born on June 13, 1939 in Isabela, Philippines. She was the second eldest of ten children and daughter of the late Pedro and Sabina Castillo. Beloved wife of Dr. Anacleto Capua. Cherished mother of Dr. Joseph B. Capua (Dr. Stephanie), Melissa Capua Mitchell (Dr. Paul), and David E. Capua. Treasured grandmother to Stephen, Ava, Dylan and Emma. Loving and supportive sister to her siblings Corazon Llamas (Pablo), Maria Peregina, Rodolfo (Carolina), Maria Elena Manzano (Samuel), Maria Lourdes Esguerra (Justiniano) and Dr. Federico Castillo as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Maria Lourdes Castillo and her brothers Dr. Pedro Castillo Jr (Lilia), and Ramon (Fe Elena).

After receiving her nursing degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, Erlinda moved to the US in the early 1960's where she worked as a neo-natal nurse. She met the love of her life Anacleto at St. Barnabas Hospital in Newark, NJ. In 1977 they decided to call FL their permanent home in which Erlinda managed her husband's medical practice while raising their three children. Erlinda became an active member of the Filipino community and it was her vision to keep their Philippine heritage alive. As a founder of the Philippine Cultural Foundation Inc. (PCFI), she was a proud recipient of the Distinguished Service Award; 3-term President of the Philippine Medical Auxiliary of Florida, West Coast Chapter; Philippine Choral Group; and member of the Filipino-American Club of Pinellas County. She was also a devoted member, volunteer and Eucharistic Minister of St. Matthew Catholic Church in Largo.

Erlinda had a passion for Filipino-Asian cooking in which she enjoyed hosting get-togethers and was well-known in the Filipino community for her love of making delicious Filipino desserts which led her to open her own restaurant, The Philippine Hut Eatery. But her greatest joy was being a wife and mother and spending time with her four grandchildren. She showed her family unconditional love and support and taught them by example, proper Christian morals and beliefs.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 19 at 11am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 9111 90th Avenue, Largo, FL. Entombment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL.

Donations in her memory can be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church at stmat.org or to Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association at floridahospices.org