Erlinda (Linda) Canare Lillich, 76, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 22, 2024 at her family home in Lawrence, Kansas, with family by her side, following complications
from lymphoma.
Born April 22, 1948 in Abucay, Bataan, Philippines, Erlinda was the fifth of nine children of Epifanio De La Cruz Canare (1909-1980) and Antonia Buensuceso Canare (1917-2008). While working as a maid, she met Robert Lillich, a Peace Corp volunteer teaching in Balanga, Philippines. She fondly recalled thinking he resembled Sean Connery’s James Bond. They were married in Manila in 1968.
The couple moved to the United States, traveling before settling in Lake Jackson, Texas, where they had their first three children. They later moved to Derby, Kansas, where they sponsored several family members to immigrate. In 1979, they relocated to Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, for Robert’s work, where they welcomed two more children into the family. They remained in Saudi Arabia until Robert’s retirement in 1999. Afterwards, they split their time between Derby, Kansas and Angeles City, Philippines, before moving to Lawrence, Kansas in 2015 to be closer to their children.
Erlinda approached everything with determination and skill. Introduced to bowling in Saudi Arabia by her husband, she excelled in tournaments. She also loved bingo, cross-stitch, and crochet. An exceptional cook, she delighted in preparing her children’s favorite meals. Erlinda was resilient and a hard worker who had numerous roles in the family and the community, she was always active and dedicated. In her later years, she cherished the time spent watching her grandchildren grow.
Erlinda is survived by her children: Arnold, Stewart, Scott (Alicia), and Crystal (Erick); grandchildren: Salvatore, Elliott, and Enzo; brothers: Lumbing, Domingo, and Lorenzo; and sister: Felicia; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert, son Jeffery, her parents Epifanio, Antonia, sisters Feliciana, Gloria, Loleng, and brother Manuel.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 from 5:00-7:00PM at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home: 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044. A graveside service will take place the following day, Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 10:00AM at Oak Hill Cemetery: 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66044, in Section 20.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association at 200 Maine Street Suite C, Lawrence, KS 66044, or online at https://www.kansasvna.org/make-a-donation.
Sending our deepest condolences to Ms. Lillich’s family. She was such a joy to our team with her sweet nature and courageous spirit. We will all miss her.
Sending my deepest condolences to the family.
From the dela Pazes.
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the whole family.
May Tita Linda rest in peace.
A very jolly friend who always made us laugh during community gatherings in Ras Tanura, KSA. I played bowling leagues with them (Linda and Robert (RIP). My condolences to the Lilich family.
My condolences to the whole family
Our condolences and prayers to the whole family, may the soul of Erlinda Lillich rest in peace🙏💐🙏