Elvira Devera DeVera Bada

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Elvira deVera Bada who was indeed a born leader. She will be remembered as being highly responsible, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Elvira was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Elvira knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her family and career.

Elvira was born on January 14, 1944 in Mandaldan, Pangasinan Philippines. Her parents were Maria Lourdes Aquino Monsada and Andres deVera Sr. Elvira was raised in Mangaldan and Malinta Bulacan Philippines. Even as a youngster, Elvira learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Elvira was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. Elvira was raised with Five brothers, Andres “Billy” de Vera Jr., Jennys Cabaluna, Pedro Cabaluna Jr., Donnie Cabaluna and Wilfredo Cabaluna. Elvira had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to take on the most responsibility. For Elvira, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced. Elvira helped her mother take care of the home and her five brothers.

In school, Elvira was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. She sought to achieve perfect attendance and marks in her classes. A logical and focused thinker, Elvira was always good at following directions and meeting her schedules, whether they were set by her teachers or were self-imposed. She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic School in Pasay City, Philippines in 1960.

Elvira’s practical work ethic carried over into her college years. Her logical mind permitted her to work hard through out her college life. She would earn a Bachelors of Science in Education from Far Eastern University Philippines in 1963.

Elvira was caring, sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being part of large family. Those close to Elvira came to expect her high standards of performance. Later in life, she had many friends which included her neighbors, prior classmates and co-workers.

An objective and conscientious individual, Elvira reveled in the security of her family. On March 4, 1972 Elvira exchanged wedding vows with Orlando Salmon Bada at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in San Francisco, California. They started their life together in San Francisco then moved to Daly City, Milpitas and Fremont, California.

Elvira was ever watchful of her children. She worried about their upbringing and was deeply concerned for their development and education as they grew up. With the help of her parents and husband, she maintained a firm yet loving hand in their upbringing. Elvira was blessed with three children, Two daughters, Elaine and Shirley, and one son, Kenneth. She was proud to have contributed to their successes of graduating from college, securing good careers and raising families of their own. Elvira was also blessed with eight grandchildren, Mateo, Natalya, Quincy, Sydney, Eva, Sophie, Emilia and Kendall.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Elvira was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, Elvira was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Elvira upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was a Sr. Mortgage Underwriter/Analyst. She was employed for 38 years in the banking industry. She worked for Pacific Bell, Bank of America, Citibank, Irwin Home Equity, The Money Store, Washington Mutual and Mortgage IT. Elvira was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

When Elvira’s retirement finally arrived in 2008, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Discovery Bay, CA. Elvira approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. Her favorite pursuits were her grandchildren, gardening and traveling. Elvira was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes with Orlando, her family and friends. Elvira had enjoyed her travels to areas including Florida, Seattle, NYC, Washington DC, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Jamaica and Mexico.

Elvira passed away on September 13, 2015 at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA. Elvira fought a brave battle against Lung Cancer. She is survived by her husband Orlando; her children Elaine, Shirley and Kenneth; her grandchildren Mateo, Natalya, Quincy, Sydney, Eva, Sophie, Emilia, Kendall; and her brothers Andres, Jennys, Pedro, Donnie, Willfredo. Services were held at Lima Family Mortuary. Elvira was laid to rest at Cedar Memorial Lawn in Fremont, California.

All who knew her would agree that Elvira was a pillar of the family. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Elvira deVera Bada did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched was given the chance to become a better person.