Elsa Jomilla Gaitan

Elsa Jomilla Gaitan was born in Iloilo City, Philippines to Miguel Jomilla and Socorro Lanada. The second child, younger sister of Edwin and older sister to Mila and Deding. Elsa received her Bachelors of Nursing at Saint Paul University in Manila. She moved to the United States at the age of 24, first settling in Houston, TX and working as an exchange program RN at MD Anderson Hospital. On Sept. 10, 1966 Elsa married her true love, Bienvenido Gaitan. Her nursing career spanned over 25 years, much of that dedicated at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego caring for her patients in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and CCU (Critical Care Unit).

Elsa loved to travel and some of her favorite destinations included the Philippines, Hawaii, Bermuda, Las Vegas, Copenhagen, Paris, London, Portugal, Rome, Monaco, Madrid and Seville. She was passionate about musicals, and her favorites were Phantom of The Opera and Miss Saigon. Her favorite pastimes were reading romance novels and going to the movies. When Elsa sat down with a book she could finish the entire novel in just 2 hours! She was a frequent patron at all the Mira Mesa theaters throughout the years, and became fast friends with the managers. She participated in the yearly St. Jude cancer drive, reaching out for donors and always finding success. She also loved dancing and teaching the hula. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and had the best time decorating her home, creating special traditions and memories for her kids and then grand kids. Every Christmas Eve, the family couldn’t wait for her signature dishes: lumpia, chicken salad, honey baked ham, fruit salad, and leche flan. All year round Elsa was ready and excited to host guests in her home, showing them the sites of San Diego and cooking for them.

Elsa loved SWEETS! Her favorite sweet treat was ice cream, especially macapuno. She enjoyed going to hotel buffets in Las Vegas and San Diego, indulging in lobster and crab, and often brought her family and visitors to her favorite locations.

A devout Catholic, Elsa prayed every night and was a dedicated member of Good Shepherd Parish in San Diego for over 25 years.

Elsa is survived by her husband of 56 years Bien, 3 children Marni, Mike, and Marielle and 7 grandchildren - Carissa, Cathlene, Noah, Isabella, Donovan, Dominic, and Nia. She now joins 2 angel grand babies in heaven, Jaymee and Jordann. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, all of them under her care at one point or another. She adored each one and poured her love and attention into them, from the first grandchild's birth until her final days. Her unwavering love, joy, and compassion will never be forgotten, a piece of our hearts has found a new home in heaven with Jesus. We love you forever, Mama Elsa.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Gaitan family.