Erlinda Rodrigo Marasigan

Dr. Erlinda (Linda) Marasigan, age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 15, 2023 in her home in Elk Grove, California. Born the 9th of 10 children in San Nicolas, Pangasinan in the Philippines to Mercedez and Gregorio Rodrigo, Erlinda enjoyed the simple things as a child – going to the market with her mother, washing clothes in the nearby river, and eating her favorite fruits and vegetables. She excelled academically at Red Arrow High School where she graduated among the top of her class, and with the guidance and support from her older siblings, pursued her dream to become a doctor. She received her medical degree from Far Eastern University and completed her internship at V. Luna Hospital, where she met fellow intern Francisco Marasigan. After years of courtship and passing their exams, Linda and Francisco got married in 1968, immigrated to the United States, completed their residencies in Chicago, and started a family. In Chicago, she enjoyed White Castle hamburgers, going on picnics in Grant Park, and living so close to Wrigley Field she could hear baseball fans cheering from her apartment. Dr. Linda balanced the demands of being a US Public Health Service Medical Officer and being the mother of three children, all while navigating through the challenges of moving to a new country and surviving cold Chicago winters. In 1979, Linda and Francisco relocated their family to sunny California, a move that proved to be a turning point for Dr. Linda’s hopes for her career, community, and family. She established a private practice in Elk Grove in 1980, becoming the first woman doctor in the town’s history. Dr. Linda’s practice thrived as many women and immigrants felt comfortable with her, often traveling hours to seek her care. Along with Francisco, Dr. Linda hosted annual holiday parties for senior patients, supported the local high school by providing free sports physicals, provided free health care to military veterans, and accepted fruits and vegetables from patients who did not have insurance. Dr. Linda took pride in being a Family Practitioner and enjoyed caring for multiple generations within a family. Drs. Linda and Francisco also became involved in the local Filipino community as founding members of the Mabuhay Lions Club (later named Mabuhay Foundation International), where for over 30 years they led numerous medical and dental missions to the Philippines, bringing medicine, clothes, toys, and volunteers to provide much needed medical care to underserved communities. Most importantly, settling down in Elk Grove meant that Linda, her mother, her sisters and their families could live close to each other. As a large extended family, they raised their children together, celebrated holidays and birthdays with huge gatherings, went on summer road trips and camping adventures, and recaptured the sense of community and togetherness they had in the Philippines. In Dr. Linda’s 40+ years of dedicated service as a physician, she received many awards and recognitions; she was named Woman of the Year by the Filipino Women’s Club of Sacramento and once served as the Grand Marshall for Elk Grove’s homecoming parade. Dr. Linda retired in 2017 and enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her joy and happiness. She will be remembered for her nurturing ways, intelligence, generosity, and kindness; her skills in dancing, cooking, and telling jokes; and her devotion to family. Her friends and family knew Linda as the first person to call when you’re feeling sick and the last person to leave the dance floor. Dr. Linda is survived by her children Lynn, Frank, and Lorraine; grandchildren Kainoa, Josiah, Jude, Elin, and Christopher; siblings Ildelfonso, Lydia, Gliceria, Mercedes, and Warnita; and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will take place Monday, October 30th 5 pm – 8 pm at East Lawn Elk Grove. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 2nd 5 pm – 8 pm at East Lawn Elk Grove. On Friday, November 3rd a funeral service will be held at 10 am at East Lawn Elk Grove, followed by a 1pm interment ceremony at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon; and a Celebration of Life 6 pm – 9 pm at Magellan Hall/American Legion Post 604 in Sacramento.