Dr. Elisa Javier Valera-Padayhag

Dr. Elisa Javier Valera-Padayhag, age 92, passed away on June 27, 2025 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of Dr. Matias Medalle Padayhag, devoted mother to Michele (Bill) and Melissa (Dan), loving Lola to Melissa, William (Allie), Kristina (Ryan), Michael, Gina Maria, Elisa and Emilia and proud great-Lola to Leila Michele and Soleil.

Elisa was born on October 25,1932 in Bangued, Abra, Philippines. The daughter of Emilio and Paz Valera, she was the eldest and “manang” to her ten siblings: Viterbo, Flotildes, Plutarco, Emilio, Eustaquio, Zosimo, Paz, Amelia, Araceli and Aristona. Elisa grew up during World War II and endured the numerous hardships brought on by the war. Once Elisa finished high school and graduated from college, she pursued her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. In April of 1956, Elisa received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Manila Central University.

In the summer of 1956, at the age of 24, Elisa came to the United States to complete her internship at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford, Illinois. Although Matias completed his internship at the same time, he was assigned to a different hospital. From Illinois, Elisa moved to Binghamton, New York where she completed four years of residency at Charles S. Wilson Hospital from 1958-1962. Fortunately, Matias also completed his residency at the same hospital. During their time as residents, Elisa and Matias were married.

Elisa practiced medicine in the Philippines and the U.S., specializing in both pediatrics and psychiatry for more than 46 years. Initially, Elisa and Matias started a family practice in Bangued, Abra, Philippines where Michele was born. In 1996 their careers took them to Denver, Colorado for a year and then to the Binghamton, NY area where Melissa was born. While living in New York, they forged many close friendships and created countless memories that lasted a lifetime.

The family moved to Newport News, Virginia where Elisa completed her residency in psychiatry before settling in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1981. Elisa officially retired in 1996, but continued to consult and work part-time for several more years. She was a lifelong learner and found her work and her profession very fulfilling.

Some of the things that brought Elisa joy were walks along the beach with Matias in Ponce Inlet, Florida, cooking and hosting family gatherings, traveling the world, her beautiful flowers, and her favorite TV show, Legacy Emanet.

The true love of her life however was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elisa lived for them.