Erlinda Sim Justus

Erlinda Sim Justus, age 72, lived in Owasso, OK passed away on Feb 1, 2023.

She was born in Manila, Philippines on August 26, 1950. Her mother and father were both originally from Aklan province and relocated to Manila after the Second World War. It was very tough growing up during this time but her father, Bienvienido Sim, a carpenter and her mother Constancia Villanueva Sim, a homemaker, were able to support and raise Erlinda and her seven sisters and one brother.  They persevered despite many hardships, including a fire which destroyed everything they owned forcing them to start over.

After a long pen pal courtship, Erlinda married Hayden Lee Justus in 1974 and relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas. The following year she gave birth to her son Daniel. In 1977 she gave birth to her daughter Susan. Hayden was a construction worker and due to his occupation, it required the family to relocate many times. She became a US citizen in 1980.  She held the family together as they lived in 6 different states before the children graduated high school. In 1991 her husband had to work overseas for a year and she had to take care of the children by herself.

Erlinda devoted herself to her family but she also pursued many hobbies. She enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, and was incredibly skilled at sewing.  She was a gifted cook and she was happiest when in the kitchen. She loved gardening, taking care of her plants, and she loved her pets dearly.

In 1996 her husband was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It was a brutally long illness and she cared and provided for her husband for 5 years. Even after her husband was required to enter a nursing home she would visit every day and even do volunteer work just to have more time with him.

Hayden passed away in 2000 and Erlinda found herself as a widow and her children grown and independent. She would find love again when she married Stanley Paul Peugh in 2001. They relocated briefly to Colorado and eventually settled in Owasso, Oklahoma.

In Owasso, Erlinda and Stan would build a very happy life and eventually bought a home. They enjoyed their retirement and were able to travel many places including back to the Philippines where she was able to visit her family. In 2021 she lost her husband Stan after a long illness.  She made many friends and was happiest spending time with her friends while playing cards, singing karaoke, and enjoying good food.

Erlinda is survived by her son: Daniel Justus of Chicago, Illinois & wife Jennifer; her daughter: Susan Justus-Cohen of Honolulu, Hawaii & husband Chase; her sister Sally of Newport News, Virginia, and sister Noni of Manila, Philippines.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home, 1302 W. Main St., Collinsville, Oklahoma.