Adelina Banlaoi Caalim

Adelina Banlaoi Caalim was and will forever be a formidable force and powerful matriarch to be reckoned with. She had a huge heart and anyone who crossed paths with her could feel the warmth and depth of her love and her soul. She was born on May 22, 1933, in the Philippines and was the third eldest among nine siblings.  She was married to Orlando A Caalim Sr, and was deeply loved by seven children, fifteen grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She immigrated to the United States in 1982 and helped bring her family over with her.  She made wonderful memories around the globe, but primarily in the Philippines, California, and Hawai’i.

If there was one word to describe Adelina, it would be resilient. Adelina survived World War II as a child while in the Philippines. Shortly before the Fall of Bataan, she and her family moved from Bataan to Pangasinan mostly by foot, miraculously avoiding the Japanese bombs. As a young mother raising seven children, she augmented her husband’s income by opening a little canteen. It was grueling work – cooking food at night and minding the canteen during the day. And yet, she persevered and never complained.

At age 71, she underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor the size of a golf ball. Not only did she survive the surgery without loss of memory, but she also came back stronger than ever. She did not have a lot of money or material things growing up, but she could always make the best out of anything, even if it was out of nothing. Most importantly, she was always able to find the good in any situation or person. Her love had always been unconditional. Her smile and laughter could light up an entire room and will forever be remembered by her loved ones.

She loved to crochet and was good at embroidery. In her later years, she liked to do word-finding puzzles.

Adelina passed away at home surrounded by her loved ones on July 4, 2025, at 12:04am. Though she departed this world, her presence will undoubtedly remain in the hearts of her entire family and loved ones.