Gilda Caidas

Gilda Toledo Caidas, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Richmond Beach, Washington, on September 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Gilda was born on February 22, 1948, in Capiz, Philippines, to Salvador Toledo, First Lieutenant in the Philippine Army, and Fedelina Villanueva Toledo, both of whom preceded her in death. She grew up on a military base in the Philippine province, and enjoyed being in a military family. At 16, she traveled to Manila, where she met her husband, Carlos. They lived in Kabihasnan, Parañaque and raised four children. Later, they moved to Sucat, Parañaque, where they built their home and Gilda started her own Sari-Sari store.

In 2000, she immigrated to the United States and built a fulfilling life in Washington. She worked for 20 years at the Westin Hotel in Seattle, where she made many friends and was admired for her dedication and warmth.

Gilda found joy in life's simple pleasures: spending time with her family, talking to her family in the Philippines through Messenger, tending to her garden, enjoying the outdoors, and caring for animals. She loved to travel, exploring across the United States (Washington, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC, Virginia, New Jersey), back to the Philippines, and Canada (Whistler, Vancouver). Gilda loved to laugh, read, play Scrabble, drink coffee, sunbathe, and watch Animal Planet. Every week, Gilda looked forward to outings with her daughter and husband, Glenda and Carlos, which they coined as "Filipino Friday," where they went out to eat and shop.

Her gentle spirit and strength left a lasting impact on all who knew her. She is remembered every time we see her favorite bird-Anna's Hummingbird.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Carlos Caidas, and her daughter, Glenda Toledo O'Malley (Earl Thomas O'Malley Jr.). She was preceded in death by her sons Cesar Caidas (Sophia Caidas), Roberto Caidas (Christie Caidas), and Cyril Caidas (Gina Caidas).

Gilda is also survived by her siblings, nieces, and nephews: Salvador Toledo (Paula Toledo), Cecilia Bracamonte † (Jose Bracamonte), Rosemary Toledo Diodos † (Jonathan Diodos), Susan Toledo Quibrantar † (Romeo Quibrantar), Pancho Toledo (Connie Toledo), Danilo Toledo (Raquel Toledo), Paquito Toledo (Marilou Toledo), and Jocelyn Toledo Lauguico (Theodoro Lauguico).

Her memory lives on in her grandchildren: Francesca O'Malley-Noble (Joshua O'Malley-Noble) of Salt Lake City, UT; Genevieve O'Malley of Bellingham, WA; Kyran Wolfe; Nicole Avery Caidas, Lester Aries Caidas, Fiona Wanchi Caidas, Dominic Caidas, Genesys Caidas, Tristan Caidas, and Tyrone Caidas, all of Manila, Philippines. She is also fondly remembered by extended family in Canada and the Philippines.

Gilda will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her kindness, care, acceptance, and her deep appreciation for life's beauty. She will be dearly missed.

In lieu of a funeral, Gilda requested that her ashes be scattered at Mt. Rainier, in Washington-her favorite place to hike. She referred to the views as "Heaven".