Bienvenida G Barbaza

Bienvenida “Elsie” Barbaza, 85, died on January 22, 2024 in the comfort of her own home in Waldorf, MD surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Apolinar “Poly” Ventanilla Barbaza and they shared 65 years of marriage together.

Bienvenida “Elsie” Barbaza was born Bienvenida Gacad to mother, Leonora Libatique (Gacad) and father, Agripino Ramos Gacad on October 30, 1938 in Bauang, La Union, Philippines. On June 29, 1959, she married the love of her life, Apolinar “Poly” Ventanilla Barbaza. They had 3 children, Gloria, Michael, and Patrick. She followed Poly to Vietnam and worked there for 3 years, and eventually moved to the U.S. in 1971. She worked as a secretary until she retired in 2008.

Elsie was a devout Catholic and was a church lector at St. Peters for over 35 years. Elsie enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing the piano and she especially loved traveling. She and her beloved husband traveled to all 7 continents and her favorite pastime was ballroom dancing with Poly.

Elsie is survived by her husband, Apolinar Ventanilla Barbaza, her daughter, Gloria Barbaza Malabanan (husband Buhay) of Waldorf MD, and sons Michael Barbaza (wife Chona) of Sterling VA, and Patrick Barbaza (wife Janice) of Bradenton FL. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Dr. Christopher Malabanan (wife Elyse), Christine Malabanan, Amber Barbaza Dudley, Audrey Barbaza, and Ryan Barbaza. She is also survived by 4 great grandchildren, Kolton, Kylee, Lawrence, and Mayble. Elsie is preceded by her brother Conrado Gacad.

Viewing will take place at Huntt Funeral Home (3035 Old Washington Rd, Waldorf MD), on Thursday, February 1 from 2-4pm and from 6-8pm. Funeral services followed by Interment will be at St. Peter’s Church (3320 St. Peters Dr, Waldorf, MD) on Friday, February 2 at 10am.