Nilda Wolford

WOLFORD, NILDA SALIENTE Wolford, Nilda Saliente, age 67, Hastings, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2019 surrounded by family, following a battle with cancer. Nilda was born and raised in Jaro, on the island of Leyte, Philippines to Graciano and Tomasa Saliente. She enjoyed life on the family coconut plantation, playing jokes on her four brothers and six sisters. She met and married Laurence Wolford in Manila, Philippines in 1971 while he was in the Navy. The couple moved to Crosby, MN and started a family. As her children grew older, Nilda earned a CNA license and took care of the elderly. She also had a long career as a buffet hostess at Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing, MN. Nilda always displayed endless energy and a vibrant smile. She sang and danced her way through life up to the end. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, joyfully attending all their school functions and events. Nilda never forgot her roots. She eagerly visited and helped family in the Philippines, sometimes sending clothing or education money. When Typhoon Haiyan hit her village in 2013, she organized a benefit with friends and family to rebuild homes in Jaro, Leyte. Recently, she was helping her siblings rebuild the family home. Nilda is preceded in death by former husband, Laurence Wolford; father, Graciano Saliente; mother, Tomasa Saliente; sister, Gianina Tanala; brother, Teodulfo Saliente; and brother, Graciano Saliente, Jr. She is survived by her son Rodney; daughters Nena (Peterson) and Trish; grandchildren, Kiya and Cassidy (Peterson), Dominic and Isabella (Wolford) and Cash and baby (Paulno); sisters Alicia (Operario), Melinda, Zenaida (Merentes), Lilian and Cleofe (Berdan); brothers Nestor and Dan; partner Helson “Sonny” Pascua; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 26, 2019 from 4pm-7pm at STARKSON FAMILY LIFE CELEBRATOIN CHAPEL, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings. In Memoriam Cards preferred to family. Flowers welcome.