Elea Reniva

Our beautiful and beloved mother, Elea Domingo Reniva (Hanover Park), age 91, a faithful servant of God, was called home on December 6, 2023.

Elea, the second daughter of Jose and Encarnacion Domingo was born in Manila, Philippines on December 1, 1932. She was a devoted Methodist, proud Filipina, compassionate nurse, loyal wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.

Elea endured so much during her lifetime. During the WWII, Elea with her mother and three younger sisters lived through the Japanese occupation hiding in a specially built bunker within the mountains of Quezon City until they were liberated by the Americans in 1942. Elea graduated with a degree in nursing from the esteemed University of the Philippines in 1957. She began her nursing career in the maternity ward of St. Luke’s Hospital. Elea would later marry Eriberto Reniva and together have their six children.  In June 1973, Elea traveled with her children to join her husband in Chicago, Illinois where they lived until his passing in 1991.  She was compassionate and caring throughout her nursing career, always giving of herself.  Elea retired in 1994 from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (Chicago).

Elea loved cooking and catering; her specialties were siopao, menudo, and her famous pancit Malabon.  Elea was optimistic, strong-willed, fun-loving, generous, and kind. Above all, she treasured her family and it brought her great joy spending time with them, especially her grand-children and great grand-children.

On December 1, 2023, Elea celebrated her 91 ^st birthday surrounded by her family fondly sharing loving stories of their Mama/Lola. While her grandchildren were singing worship songs, everyone was especially delighted as she moved her foot to the tempo.

On December 6, 2023, God’s mercy and peace came upon Elea. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Encarnacion Domingo; dear husband, Eriberto Reniva; her sisters and brother, Librada Martinez, Celia Domingo, Moses Domingo.

Survived by her children, Eriberto Reniva, Jr. (Emma), Lydda Ticzon (Al), Eleanor Mendoza, Abdiel Reniva (Kristine), Elbert Reniva (Terri), Erleah Cyrwus (Al); sisters, Josefina DeJesus, Gloria Domingo.

Adoring grandmother of Eric Reniva (Marissa), Adam Reniva, Lea Cortes (Carmelo), Alexis Ticzon (Kathleen), Jared Mendoza (Mary Ann), Daniel Matusek, Kayla Garcia (Dan Dale), Jacob Reniva (EJ), April Cyrwus, Lauren Dees (Aaron), Joshua Mendoza (Alyssa), Amanda Cyrwus, Jordan Reniva, Elizabeth Cyrwus, Emily Cyrwus, Benjamin Reniva, Jess Reniva, Isabella Reniva, Kaitlyn Reniva, Kyla Reniva, Kamila Reniva. Devoted great-grandmother to Noah Cortes, Aurora Reniva, Leanna Cortes, Rafael Reniva, Anastasia Mendoza.

We are grateful to the thoughtful care and comfort provided to our mother by Northwestern Dupage Hospital, Inspire Rehab and Accent Care Hospice.

Celebration of Life, January 6, 2024 at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Oak Park.