Eleanor "Nene" Sabalbaro

Eleanor “Nene” Mataac Sabalbaro, age 71, of Germantown, Maryland, was called home to the Lord on November 26, 2020. Eleanor was born on January 14, 1949, in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, the eldest daughter of Melchora and Celso Mataac, Sr. A lover of education, Eleanor excelled in her studies and became a teacher in Marinduque, following in the footsteps of her beloved Tiya Eta, who raised her after she and her 7 siblings became orphans. Eleanor married her “one and only true love”, Rolando “Rolly” Sabalbaro, on January 17, 1970, who preceded her in death in 2002.

She and Rolly immigrated to Rockville, MD in 1986, hoping to provide their children with the best opportunities possible. She worked in compliance at NASD, now FINRA, retiring in 2007. Eleanor was a proud Marinduqueño, devoting her time and money to Marinduqueño Association of the Capital Area, Inc. (MACA, Inc.), and making annual trips to her homeland. She valued education as a means of achieving success, and was committed to ensuring that children in Marinduque had the opportunity to improve their lives through education.

A true nurturer and caregiver, Eleanor loved her family above all else. Her life was a living example of God’s light on earth. She taught everyone how to love unconditionally and how to give without expecting to receive. She was ever present for all of her kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, whether it was on the sidelines of a sporting event, or in the audience of a talent show. She was the family’s cook, the leading voice when singing Christmas carols, and a fierce competitor at the mahjong table.

Eleanor is survived by her children and their wives, Myra Sabalbaro and Michelle Romano, Roel and Marya Sabalbaro, and Jose and Emily Sabalbaro; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Thomas and Maia; her siblings and their spouses Eddie and Chita Salcedo, Celso and Vilma Mataac, Manny and Mariam Mataac, Arturo and Edna Mataac, Amelia Mataac, Rosine Mataac, and Dante and Amy Mataac; plus loving nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins in America and in the Philippines.

There will be a private viewing for immediate family members on Friday, Dec. 11. All are welcome to a virtual viewing on Friday, Dec. 11, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm via Zoom. A private funeral mass will be celebrated at Mother Seton Parish on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. The funeral mass and internment at Gate of Heaven will be virtual. There will be more details regarding the virtual services next week.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Eleanor’s lifelong commitment to providing educational opportunities for those in her home province of Marinduque, all donations will be made to the Rolando and Eleanor Sabalbaro Memorial Education Fund through the Marinduqueño Association of the Capital Area, Inc. Please refer to the link below.