Obituary of Elena L. Quirino

Elena Lopez Quirino, 97, passed away on July 10, 2021, in Staten Island, NY, surrounded by her loved ones. Elena was born on August 17, 1923, in Baler, Quezon (Aurora), Philippines to Pedro Azarcon Lopez and Felicidad Gallegos Trinidad. She was one of nine children. Elena was widowed by the death of her first husband, Jose V. Lopez. Elena then married Bernardo V. Quirino, and became a widow again when he passed away. She was also predeceased by her daughter, Eva Quirino. Elena was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will lovingly be remembered by her surviving children and their spouses: Marcelina (Jose) Medrano, Rosabella (Virgilio) Mangonon, Jose (Marla) Lopez, Maria Elena (Eduardo) Santiago, Editha Quirino, Bernardo (Lorie) Quirino Jr., and Brenda Quirino. Elena will be greatly missed by her adoring 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She is also survived by her dear, little sister, 95-year-old Nieves Sanchez. Elena's father, a great lawyer, once said that Elena could have also been a lawyer if she had only been born a male. Instead, Elena became a grade-school teacher, and taught until her retirement. She constantly and persistently reminded her family about the value of a good education. A devout Catholic, Elena instilled in her children the virtues of Catholicism. She loved to sing and dance, and enjoyed playing the piano, especially her favorite song, "Harbor Lights." Elena loved attending social events and having her family over for visits. She was a bookworm who loved to travel, crochet, watch the news, root for the Yankees, and play Candy Crush. She was also a natural fashionista who made sure her accessories always matched her attire. Elena will be dearly missed. She created so many beautiful memories with her large family and wonderful friends. She cherished every moment she had with them. Elena was caring, witty, full of humor, sharp, kind, funny, and generous to a fault. Elena never waned in her support or love of her family. She loved, and she was loved by so many. Visitations will be from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday, July 15 and Friday, July 16 at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314. Elena's funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 17, at 10:30 am, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 981 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10310. Elena will be laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery, Staten Island, NY, after the funeral services. Elena's family sincerely appreciates all the sympathy, prayers, words of comfort, and expressions of concern and kindness. God bless you.