Elena Lao

Elena L. Lao, “Ellen”, age 60, of Wayne, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

Ellen was born in the Philippines in the city of Manila. She was the youngest of four children and she spent her entire up-bringing living in Manila. Her post-high school education took place at the Philippine Women’s University where she earned her B.S.N. degree in Nursing in 1980.

Soon after college, Ellen began working at Philippine General Hospital in Manilla. While there, she was recruited by the Preakness Healthcare Center in Wayne, NJ. Ellen took the opportunity and immigrated to the United States in 1982. It was a decision she would never regret as she went on to enjoy a very fulfilling thirty-two year career at the Preakness Healthcare Center before retiring in 2014. During her years there, she had a great reputation for being a dedicated worker and a compassionate nurse to the patients that she was charged to care for. Following her work there, she worked at the Paterson Board of Health for a year-and-a-half before her own health issues necessitated full retirement.

Ellen was the beloved wife of Venchito Lao who she met one day after work at a restaurant called the Binghamton – a floating restaurant. Though it sounds cliché to say, it truly was “love at first sight.” After dating for about a year, one night at dinner, Venchito asked Ellen if she would be his wife and, much to their mutual delight, Ellen said yes! They exchanged their wedding promises before God, family and friends on Monday, January 13, 1986 at the St. Nicholas Church in Passaic. After a reception at the Jade Fountain in Lyndhurst – all you could eat, Ellen and Venchito jumped in a car and headed down to sunny, warm Orlando Florida for their honeymoon. Their first home together was in an apartment in Paterson where they remained for three years before moving to their present home in Wayne.

In 1993, Ellen and Venchito became the proud parents of a beautiful son, Mark Anthony. They were so excited to welcome Mark into their home and Ellen now split her time between raising her son and working as a Nursing Supervisor at Preakness Healthcare Center. Family was so very important to Ellen and so, while she loved her career, she also loved getting together as frequently as she could with family and friends. Anyone that knew Ellen knew that she was a great cook. It would stand to reason therefore that she loved this pastime of cooking, and her family was thankful to God for Ellen’s work in the kitchen as they were the frequently blessed recipients of her culinary delights. Family favorites included Ellen’s Imbutido, a Filipino stew called Kare, and a noodle dish called Pancit.

Ellen loved all of God’s creatures but she truly had a special place in her heart for her sweet canine friend Pot-Pot, a terrier and Pomeranian mixed pooch that was her faithful friend and companion. Her little furry friend was so fortunate to have such a loving master and so many that knew Ellen were very blessed to have her as a friend. Ellen had a heart of gold. She loved to give back a portion of the blessings that God gave to her and consequently, she was very generous to relatives and friends both with her time, talents and also her treasures. Many were given a great chance to thrive in their lives because of Ellen’s generosity.

It should come as no surprise, knowing what a loving heart Ellen possessed, that Ellen walked closely with God. She was devout in her catholic faith and over the years, was involved in the ministry of several parishes including Our Lady of Consolation Church and Our Lady of the Valley Church, both in Wayne, as well as St. Gerard’s Church in Paterson and St. Clare’s Church in Clifton. Ellen’s life was a true reflection of God’s love, grace, and provision that she experienced in her own life.  

Ellen was the beloved wife of Venchito, blessed in marriage for 34 years. She was the most loving mother of Mark Anthony Lao of Wayne, and dear aunt of numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her one sister and two brothers.