Elisea Melgar

 Elisea Melgar, known as “Ellie” to friends and those closest to her, was born Elisea Hanopol to parents Filemon and Martha on February 28th 1931 in Carigara Leyte, Philippines.  Growing up there, she attended Holy Cross Academy, the local high school. While rehearsing for a dance performance in August  1947, she was partnered with another student named Roberto Melgar, whom she would marry on May 10th 1959. 
Ellie had the desire to become a dentist and was studying at the Philippine Dental College, when Roberto asked her to be his wife. She then took on the challenging role of Navy wife, devoted mother, and homemaker.  
In 1959, their first child, Jocelyn was born. Ellie and 6-month-old Jocelyn arrived in San Diego on a naval ship in 1960 and joined Roberto who was stationed there. In 1961, their second child, Russell joined the family.  They stayed in San Diego for three years, then moved to Alameda in 1963. Filmore, their third child, arrived not too long after the move.  
 At that time, Alameda was a big Navy town with a large population of Filipinos. Ellie easily met other Filipino Navy wives and their children who came to regard each other as family.  For the months Roberto was deployed, Ellie spent time raising the kids, visiting with friends and family, learning ceramics and how to crochet, and developed a green thumb, which she would be known for all her life. 
Ellie, alongside with Roberto, enjoyed sharing their love of music and dancing with their group of friends and socialized very frequently, back in their good ole days.  She will be remembered for her warm welcome to everyone who came into their circle, and for her baked goods like bebinka and torta.  
As time went on and after watching her three children grow up, Ellie felt blessed to see her and Roberto’s family grow with the addition of Gary, Jo’s husband, JoAnn, Russ’ wife and Jean, Fil’s wife. Her blessings continued with her grandkids, Jezeca, Joseph, and Justin. Her dedication to her family was never-ending and her love for them is everlasting. 
Her family will truly miss her, but she will always be in our hearts.  All who knew her will miss her laugh, her singing in the kitchen, her delicious cooking, the sound of her voice, and her welcoming hugs. 

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