Updated:October 17, 2020, 9 AM
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Obituario: Owner of Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge dies at 89
Winnipeg icon Erlinda Magnaye Ramos, known to friends as ‘Linda’ of the famed Gelyn’s Wedding Lounge died Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
The 89-year grandmother immigrated to Canada in 1970 with husband Gerry and two of their nine children.
A native of Lipa, Batangas, Ramos had to adjust to a new life after arriving in Winnipeg. She first found work with Safeway and a garment factory before landing a job with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
She parlayed her experience at the CNIB to open her catering business and dance hall starting with Monterey’s at Headingly, just outside of Winnipeg. Later, she moved the business to downtown in a two-storey concrete building.
Her dance hall became popular in the Filipino community in Winnipeg who used it for weddings and other banquets. For years, the hall was the venue for the Magdaragat Pavillion during Folklorama.
Her culinary skills especially in cakes spurred her to venture into weddings naming the business Gelyn’s Wedding Cakes – a play on her husband Gerry and her name.
Gelyn’s became a fixture in the community and her modest location on Ellice Avenue still attracts a loyal customer base.
Linda was a ‘giving’ person and never held back in helping the community. Her dedication to help the Magdaragat Dance Troupe was a major factor in the success of the dance group.
In 2017, she was honoured for her contributions to the community by Pinays Manitoba, a women’s organization that recognizes Filipino women achievers and aims to empower women in Manitoba.
She was predeceased by her husband Gerry who passed away in December 31, 2013. She leaves behind her children: Marilou (Rogel), Sonny (Vicky) Joevic, Dottie (Ver), Teteng, Gina, Marico (Randy), Dante (Rosette), Zoilo (Shirley), Joyce (Jayson) and 40 plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Erlinda Ramos, children: Marilou (Rogel), Sonny (Vicky) Joevic, Dottie (Ver), Teteng, Gina, Marico (Randy), Dante (Rosette), Zoilo (Shirley), Joyce (Jayson) and 40 plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.
