Nelinda Virata Legaspi - Obituary

elinda Virata Legaspi, known to many as “Nellie,” passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2025 at the age of 82. Born on July 14, 1942, at Imus, Cavite Philippines, she was the cherished daughter of Florencio Sayoc Virata of Imus and Laureana Matro Legaspi of Binakayan and the beloved sister of Manuel, Luisito, Rodel, Mayolito, and Elena. Nellie studied at Medicion Elementary, Del Pilar Academy (℅ 1959), and Philippine Normal College (℅ 1963) where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. While teaching first grade at Medicion Elementary, Nellie was partnered with the dashing Francisco “Jun” Legaspi at the school’s Christmas dance on December 18, 1964. Their connection was instant, and after just five months of courtship, they officially began dating. Jun joined the U.S. Navy in 1968, but the distance only brought them closer through countless love letters. When Jun returned two years later, they married on February 23, 1970. The couple's journey led them across continents through Navy assignments and raising their family together. Their first home was in Gaeta, Italy, where Nellie balanced her role as a Navy wife and homemaker. In 1971, they moved to Washington, D.C., where their children, Frank III and Florence, were born. Over the years, the family moved from Norfolk, Virginia, to the Philippines and back to D.C. Nellie found her second calling as a preschool teacher at Bolling Air Force Base, where she adored her students. After their children grew up and started their own families, Nellie and Jun embraced a special “half and half” retirement plan. They spent six months each year in their dream home in Tagaytay, Philippines, and the other six months in Maryland, where they cherished time with their beloved grandchildren. Nellie took great pride in her role as a grandmother, often driving the kids to preschool and delighting them with trips to Chuck E. Cheese. She found joy in life's simple pleasures, from spending weekends with friends playing Bingo to admiring the beautiful flowers around her, especially the orchids she lovingly cared for in the Philippines. Nellie was also a devoted woman of faith, praying the rosary every night. She had a passion for TFC teleseryes, finding comfort and entertainment in keeping up with her favorite shows. Nellie is survived by her loving children Frank Legaspi (Mayumi) and Florence Iglesias (Russell), five grandchildren: Justin Iglesias, Matthew Iglesias, Zachary Legaspi, Elise Iglesias, and Maddie Legaspi, and a brother Rodel Virata (Fe). Friends and family are invited to celebrate Nelinda's life on Friday, February 7th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 8th at 10:30 A.M. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road Clinton, MD 20735.