Linda Maram

Linda España-Maram, 67, passed away August 08, 2026. Linda was born on January 29, 1959, in Manila, Philippines and came to the US in 1970 with her siblings, a year after their father migrated. The family first settled in Monrovia and later moved to Baldwin Park. Linda received her master's degree in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and her doctorate degree in History from UCLA. At the time of her passing, she had just retired from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), where she was the Professor Emerita of Asian American Studies and American Studies.

Linda was a scholar. She was a Fulbright scholar. Her book, Creating Masculinity in Los Angeles's Little Manila: Working-Class Filipinos and Popular Culture, 1920s-1950s (Columbia University Press, 2006), was awarded the best book in history by the Association of Asian American Studies. She played a pivotal role in establishing, strengthening, and advancing Ethnic Studies and American Studies at the CSU system. At CSULB, she helped establish the Asian American studies major and minor in 2004 and was a founding member of American Studies.

Linda was a mentor. Known affectionately as "Momz" to generations of Filipinx American students who she advised at and beyond CSULB. Many of her mentees are now faculty members and community leaders. Dr. Constancio Arnaldo, CSULB alumnus and Associate Professor of Asian and Asian American Studies at University of Nevada, Las Vegas shared: "Beyond her scholarship and service, Linda's commitment to mentorship was immeasurable. She was a fierce advocate for first-generation, working-class students of color, continued to cultivate relationships with her mentees, and mentored us throughout graduate school...She will not only be remembered for her scholarship and mentorship, but for her vibrant spirit, generosity, kindness, and labor of love."

Linda was a community builder. She regularly bridged academics, community members, and the arts as a scholar-teacher-mentor, and most recently was featured in PBS' "Lost LA: Historic Filipinotown." She was an avid supporter of artists and the arts. She often organized her students, friends and colleagues to attend cultural events, like the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival. 

Linda was a lover of animals, a connoisseur of food (except brussel sprouts), and a devoted sisterfriend. She is survived by a wide, beloved extended network of family, friends, students, alumni, and colleagues.

PLEASE NOTE: In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family ask guests to make a donation to the following organizations in her memory: Visual Communications, People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals (PETA), and/or Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation.

Also, in memory of Linda's vivacious spirit, the family ask guests NOT to wear black to the ceremony, but something cheery. In appreciation to our guests, the family invite all guests to attend a Celebration of Life reception immediately after the service. More details to follow.