Pristita C. Espeleta - Obituary

ristita Cabigon Espeleta, age 86, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. She was born in Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines, the eldest daughter of the late Rogue Cabigon and Felipa Bajit. She married Avelino Deleon Espeleta in 1958 and emigrated to the United States in mid 1960’s. Pristita lived in Key West, Florida, Newport, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. before settling in Fort Washington, MD. Pristita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, known for her commitment to her family and making her grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh. She was an avid gardener, feeding her family with the vegetables she grew and sharing the flowers she lovingly tended. Her family was her greatest joy and constant purpose. She retired from the Bolling Air Force Base Exchange as a Department Supervisor and spent her time sewing and cooking for family and friends. She also enjoyed fishing and crabbing and stated the best fish were caught in the middle of the night. Pristita is survived by Avelino, her loving husband of 68 years. She is also survived by her three children, Yolanda Maletto (Robert), Glenn Espeleta (Agnes) and Vivian Gates (Kevin). She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Kristin, Rachel, Ryan, Jonathan, Dominic, Brendan and Alyssa and her great-grandchildren, Olivia, Xavier, Sloane, Roen, Elio, Cooper and Brody. Relatives and friends are invited to Pristita's Life Celebration on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10 A.M. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7800 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 2 p.m. Please arrive at 1:15pm. May we remember Pristita in the ways she would have liked best – by planting something new and by feeding whoever comes to our doors.