It is with deep sadness we announce Elenita "Ellen" Bautista de Leon, 79, passed away on December 12, 2023 in Norfolk, VA.  She was born on December 12, 1944, in Imus, Cavite, the Philippines, the daughter of Feliciana and Urbano Bautista.

Ellen was preceeded in death by her parents and her brothers Jaime "Jimmy" and Eleazar "Ely" Bautista. Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Arsenio "Arsie" de Leon.  Also survived are her daughters Eileen de Leon and her husband, Greg Harris of Norfolk, VA, and Anna Liza Wenger and her husband, Christopher Edward Wenger of Noblesville, Indiana; her brother Danilo "Danny" Bautista and his wife Ludivinia Santarin Bautista of Norwalk, CA; sister-in-law Elita Fajardo Bautista; three grandchildren, Christopher Ryan Wenger, Julian Wenger and Robin Wenger; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ellen graduated from Imus Institute in the Philippines, class of 1961 and Philipine Women's University in Manila, class of 1965 with a  Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.  Her first teaching position was at Western Poblacion Elementary School. Ellen formed lifelong friendships and was in constant contact with her I.I. Class of '61 and WPES Class of '68.  The many reunions in person and online brought her much joy.

Ellen taught until her retirement in 2004.  Retirement began a new chapter moving from Virginia Beach to Las Vegas where she began “working” with her newborn grandchildren.  Being a grandmother was a job which consisted of nonstop laughter.  While in Vegas, Ellen and Arsie gallivanted like teenagers.  You could rarely find them at home.  Once the grandchildren were older and moved to Indiana, Ellen moved back to Virginia in 2018.

Ellen was strong willed and had an enormous heart.  She was generous, loyal and very brave.  She was clever and full of knowledge from all of her life experiences and her love for reading.  She was feisty until the end.  She will be remembered for her fervor for life and all of its opportunity.  We love you, Ellen!

Family and friends invite you to attend her visitation on Thursday, December 21st at 4 PM and a 5 PM service at  Holloman Brown Kempsville Chapel located at 1485 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach.  Ellen's burial service will occur on Friday, December 22nd at 10 AM at Princess Ann Memorial Park, 1110 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

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