Walderico Pe Benito Elvena

Walderico Pe Benito Elvena passed away peacefully on January 4, 2022 at the age of 83 in San Antonio, Texas. He was dearly loved by his departed wife, Telesfora “Puring” Elvena, family members and friends. He is survived by his three children Lily Mae, Rommel, Melanie, in-laws, grandchildren, his siblings Amelia and Promencio, and his nephews and nieces.

He was born on March 2, 1938 in Tayum Abra, Philippines, to Vicente and Felisa Elvena. He is the 6th child among 8 children. Although a simple man from the province, he was able to go to Manila and received his college education from Gregorio Araneta University Foundation attaining his Bachelor of Science Major in Agriculture. He further continued his studies by getting certification and training at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna.

Daddy Walde or Manong Waldy to some, worked with the National Tobacco Administration (formerly known as the Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration ). He took pride in his profession and loved doing field work. He rose up from the ranks until he became a Research Superintendent in Rosario, La Union, a position he held for almost a decade. He continued working until his retirement as an Assistant Division Chief.

Daddy Walde is appreciative and respectful towards those who are older than him; always staying attentive to heed their words, knowing they are wiser than him. This core value was passed down to his children for them to uphold and live by. Walderico is a strict person who valued education and put it at utmost importance. He may be a very private person, but in spite of that, he has always taken pride in his children’s academic achievements and shared it with his co-workers. In fact, he proudly displayed his children’s report cards on his office desk. Together with his wife, they both emphasized to their children that providing them their education would be their “pamana" ( legacy ) to them.

One thing that Daddy Walde cherished was music. He appreciated music so much that he always had a gentle smile on his face when his grandchildren displayed their musical talents, whether it be them playing their musical instruments or them singing. He himself could play “Ouido” ( playing by ear ) on the piano and also remarked that he had once attempted to play the violin. Most of his family members know that his favorite musical piece on the piano was “Spanish Eyes”.

Cooking was one of his favorite pastimes. He had an affinity for preparing and making delicious meals. He regularly made an effort to make dishes for his family every Saturday morning; dishes like, sinigang na bangus, imbaliktad and halabos na hipon. On special occasions, he liked to make pinapaitan, sinanglaw and kilawin. His favorite dishes that had to be cooked to perfection were his dinengdeng and pinakbet; As his words of advice: “Don’t overcook the vegetables! They will lose their nutrients!”

Walderico Elvena showed his resilience in facing life challenges and stayed independent and strong until the end. We will never forget you Dad, Daddy Walde, Lolo Walde, Uncle Walde, Tatay, Manong Waldy. We love you. We know that you are now back with your Creator and all of your dearly departed, including your beloved wife. We know that you’re happier and that you can finally see and watch over us. Rest in Peace.

Visitation will be held on January 14, 2022 at Sunset North Funeral Home located on 910 North Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, Texas 78232. Visitation will start from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A special prayer and blessing will be given by Rev. Father Tu Nguyen, Parochial Vicar of Saint Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church at 6:00 pm. Rosary prayer to be led by Fr. Tu will be recited after the blessing.