Elsa Valera

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Elsa Bañez Valera of Danbury, CT at the age of 100 years on Friday, July 15, 2022. She was born on December 17, 1921 in Dansalan, Lanao, Philippines to Mercedes Paredes Purugganan and Dr. Col. Leon Crisologo Bañez. She was previously a resident of Bangued, Abra, Philippines. 

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Felixberto Garduque Valera, her brothers Leon and Arnulfo, two of her children, Mercedes Garcia and Angelee Niedermeyer. Elsa is survived by her ten children, Ellen Martinez, Henrietta Vered, Michael, Elgie Nicolas, Gelly (Elaine) Valera, Sue-zette (Mitch) Valera, Chona (Vet) Trinidad, Marissa (Ronnie) Bañez, Olga (Junior) Bigornia and Rene (Lourdes) Valera, her 24 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and her two sisters, Bella Cabanos and Estrella Garcia.

She was in Nursing school when World War II broke out. She later returned to college majoring in Commerce at the Philippine Women's University. In August 12, 1944, she married Felixberto and went on to have 12 children. Despite her busy role as a mother, she managed to maintain a career and was appointed General Manager of the Rice and Corn Administration (now known as National Food Authority). Other notable accomplishments include being a board member of the Catholic Women's League Abra and Philippine Girl Scouts for the Province of Abra. With her retirement from the Department of Education and Culture division in 1981, she immigrated to the United States to provide a better life for her children.

She was always a source of inspiration for everybody in the family who all admired her for her strength and resilience. She was the glue that held everybody together. Her family will always be eternally grateful for all the kindness, love and care she had given them. This includes everybody that she welcomed wholeheartedly with open arms who became an extended family and also called her "Mama". Her love of God and family will forever be imprinted in the hearts and minds of everybody that had the opportunity to know her. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Danbury Memorial Funeral Home 117 South Street Danbury, CT 06810. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:30 am at St. Peter's Church 104 Main Street Danbury, CT 06810.

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