Ely was born to Agustin Sadorra and Beatriz Lauyan in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, along with her older siblings, Carlos, and Diosa, who both preceded her in death. She went to the University of Santo Tomas to study nursing, and worked at Trinity General Hospital. She married our dad, Armando Reyes, in 1964, and together they had the three of us, Mae Margaret, Alan, and Patricia Dianne.
With her working visa on hand, Mama made the difficult decision to continue her nursing career in the United States in 1975 when her youngest child was only three. Mama worked long hours, sent money home, but saved enough to buy a new house for all of us to live in. And in 1988, we were all together again under one roof.
Mama had worked at Methodist Hospital and at the youthful age of 72, she finally decided to hang up her scrubs and retire after getting lost on her way home one night.
She loved her Bible, her garden, a good mystery book and of course, being stylish. She was a fashionista in her own right. Her shoes and purse always matched her outfit, her hair was perfectly coiffed, and her nails were always polished red.
Most importantly, she loved her independence. Even after surviving three strokes, she insisted on staying in her house, her “kingdom”.
Mama, thank you for making all the sacrifices to create a better life for us here in America. We love you, and we’ll miss you always. Rest in heaven until we’re all together once again.
Visitation will be held at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, on November 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Earthman Resthaven, 13102 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77060, US, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The commital service will be held at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77060, US at 1:00 pm.
