Maria Elena S. Galicia

  Maria Elena Santos Galicia passed away on March 23, 2024, after a valiant battle against ovarian carcinosarcoma. Born in Manila, Philippines, Ellen captivated the hearts of many with her beamingly bubbly personality, forever blossoming vocals, random outbursts of silly choreographed dances, and an infectious laugh that would bounce around the room.

  Although Ellen lived a humble life in Santiago City, Isabela, she had a loving single mom, Maria Gloria Santos, and a caring younger brother, Ronald Santos. Through endless endeavors, she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Centro Escolar University in the year of 1987 and was a passionate nurse for 11 years in the Philippines. Her journey continued to the U.S and made an extremely difficult decision to leave her family and home country to start a new life in America in hopes of making a brighter future for her children. Chasing the American dream was no easy feat but that didn’t deter Ellen. Upon arrival, she was limited to working as an LPN at Riverview Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, and shortly after, hired as a PCT at North Arundel Hospital. She tenaciously studied while working two jobs and her efforts paid off when given the news of passing her NCLEX. She eventually found her footing in Maryland and brought her son, Scott Emmanuel Santos Galicia, and daughter, Samantha Faith Santos Galicia, to the U.S. Ellen faithfully committed to working at the same hospital as an RN for over 25 years that then later became to be known as University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center.

 Ellen was the epitome of a true Filipina. She was notable for her hospitality and warmth. Regardless of how dull and bleak your day is going, her light-hearted demeanor, and the smile on her face can certainly brighten up your mood. As proven through her multiple nominations for The Daisy Award, her patients have said her comedic antics and ray of positivity provided comfort and healing. After all, laughter is the best medicine.

 Ellen embraced the “Bayanihan” spirit, a Filipino virtue of communal unity of helping others without expecting anything in return. She was extremely selfless and charitable as seen through volunteering countless hours at health fairs, doing multiple blood pressure screenings, administering yearly vaccinations for her community, and raising funds for the AHA Heart Walks. She also sent care packages to the Philippines for her friends and extended family. These LBC boxes (Balikbayan boxes) were stuffed to the brim. It was her mission to use the boxes’ max capacity to the point of harassing her kids to lay on top of the boxes in all sorts of positions as she taped down the sides and corners.

  Of course, Ellen was the spark that ignited every party. If she was hosting, she’ll proudly showcase her mom’s cooking saying “Halika Kain Na!”, in English” Come on Let’s Eat!”.  No one left with an empty stomach as she’ll keep asking you to get seconds, thirds, even a fourth plate. No one left empty handed as she packaged food for you to bring home. She was an avid karaoke fanatic, sometimes singing offkey. Be careful, you’ve been warned she might snatch the mic if you aren’t singing loud enough. She always dragged and pulled you on the dance floor and danced fiercely throughout the night. Whether it be family or friends she was always cackling and had witty playful banters with them. If you step into the same room as Ellen, you’ll know it’s her as her laugh is a force to be reckoned with. Ellen, you will be missed very much so but one thing we know for sure is that she’s in the heavens singing and laughing. May your radiant spirit forever dance among the stars.

 A service will be held at Gonce Funeral Service P.A. 4001 Ritchie Highway on Saturday March 30, 2024 from 3-5 P.M. and 7-9 P.M, with a short program at 4 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday April 2, 2024 St. Athanasius Catholic Church 4708 Prudence Street Baltimore, MD 21226 at 10:00 A.M.

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