Minda Baranda

Minda Baranda

Minda Baranda joined Our Lord on the morning of November 5, 2020 at the age of 65 due to complications related to COVID-19. After contracting the virus, she was hospitalized at St. Barnabas for over two weeks. Her condition worsened to critical in the ICU and she ultimately had to be put on a ventilator. As much as Minda wanted to stay with us and fought so hard to do so, her body could no longer fight.

Minda was born in the Philippines on June 9, 1955 to Cayetano and Potenciana De Belen. She was the fifth of six siblings: Roland, Noemi, Edgar, Freddie, Elli, and Ilene. She attended St. Paul College in Quezon City, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree. Minda started her professional career working at Bank of America.

Minda was married to Silverio ‘Boyong’ Baranda on June 20, 1981 in the Philippines; they were married 39 years.

In 1985, Minda immigrated to the United States and settled in New Jersey with her husband and raised their three children: Paul, Chiara, and Jennifer. She later worked as a legal secretary in New York City. In her spare time, Minda enjoyed crafting and sewing, reading, watching movies with her family, and cooking delicious Filipino food full of love.

Minda’s strength was unparalleled, having survived open heart surgery while battling kidney failure. Despite the challenges she faced, she never gave up hope and continued to live passionately and faithfully as a devout Catholic.

Minda meaningfully touched the lives of those around her. She had a vibrant spirit that could light up a room, and she went out of her way to support those she loved. Minda treated everyone like family, making sure you were always comfortable (and always had something to eat). Everyone who was lucky enough to know her shared the same feelings of love, devotion, and admiration toward her.

Minda is survived by husband Silverio Baranda; son Paul Baranda; daughter Jennifer Baranda; siblings Roland (Veronica) De Belen, Noemi (Johnny) Figueroa, Edgar (Anna) De Belen, Freddie (Aida) De Belen, Elli (Marissa) De Belen, and Ilene (Jun) Natividad; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Minda was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents Cayetano and Potenciana De Belen; daughter Chiara ‘Cha Cha’ Baranda; mother-in-law Blanche Baranda; father-in-law Silverio ‘Sab’ Baranda; sister-in-law Vida De Belen; and dear friends Mina Llamas and Angeles ‘Lito’ Cabigao.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, November 11 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Galante Funeral Home in Union, NJ. The funeral service will be held at 10:15 AM on Thursday, November 12 at St. James the Apostle Church in Springfield, NJ. Burial will follow the funeral at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield, NJ. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be shared.

The Baranda Family gives their heartfelt thanks to all of Minda’s family and friends for the outpouring of love and support at this difficult time. They are so grateful for all of your thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the family online here.