It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Merlinda Nicdao (Santos) Snow, beloved mother, sister, and aunt, who left this world on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Loma Linda Medical University, Murrieta, California after a long illness.
Merlinda was born on January 22, 1956 in Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines, the daughter of Dalmacio and Lucina Santos. She grew up in Olongapo City, a member of a large, loving family. In the late 1970s her father got her a job at the US Naval Base at Subic Bay, where she eventually met her future husband in 1991 while working as a waitress. She arrived in the United States in May, 1992 and married Robbin Snow.
Merlinda was a very kind, loving generous person who loved life and her family very much.
She was wife to Robbin, and mother to Roxanne, her daughter. Being the wife of a military member Merlinda often had to run the household while her husband was away on deployment. At the same time Merlinda never forgot her family back in the Philippines and always came through for them in difficult times with love and support. Although she was an ocean away from her family in the Philippines her heart was always next to them.
Merlinda was employed by the Department Of Defense Child Development Centers at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton between 1994-1999 where she was a cook, after which she left employment to raise Roxanne. In 2012 she returned to work and was employed by Pechanga Resort and Casino until June 2025.
Merlinda enjoyed the simple things in life like friends and cooking. She loved to go on YouTube and listen to Elvis, Frank Sinatra and Matt Munro. One of her biggest joys was talking with her sisters and brother back in the Philippines online. She also loved working at Pechanga and especially loved her co-workers, who were like family to her. People also loved Merlinda because she was kind and giving.
During her illness she never forgot to bring something to eat for the medical personnel who took care of her.
Merlinda was preceded in death by her parents Dalmacio and Lucina Santos, sister Amelia Miguel, brother Johnny Santos, nephew Renato Libiternos, and niece Josie Miguel. She is survived by husband Robbin Snow and daughter Roxanne, and sister-in-law Carolyn Cambarare and husband Dave.
She is also survived by her sisters Evelyn Santos, Delia Acuna and Edna Santos, along with many nieces and nephews: Jocelyn Rejano, Jaqueline Pinero, Bernard Miguel, Rossana Miguel, Joey Miguel, Mary Ann Elago, Argie Acuna, Karen Acuna, Jessamine Austria, Jefferson Santos, Caselyn Santos, Jeffrey Santos, Kimberly Santos and Jhaztine Santos.
There will be a Celebration Of Life ceremony at Murrieta Valley Funeral Home, 24651 Washington Ave, Murrieta CA 92562 on Tuesday, July 8th at 11: 00 am. Everyone is welcome.
