Eleanor Grace Badua Gorospe's Obituary
Eleanor Grace Badua Gorospe was called home among the angels in the days after Christmas. Her spirit was released peacefully at home, held in the arms of her husband of 33 years, Guillermo Gorospe, Jr., after a 3-year “titanium” battle with cancer. Eleanor’s presence illuminates in her legacy that she graced to all corners and souls in her life; from the strength and positivity she inspired among fellow cancer fighters and supporters, the connection she magnetized to gather friends and co-workers at countless parties and celebrations, the calm and wisdom that filled her classroom and workspace as a beloved elementary school teacher, to the grace, humor, and warmth with which she embraced her family as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandma.
Eleanor was born in Honolulu, HI, on September 2, 1958 to Pedro Badua and Feliza Ganal, the third of four sisters. She was the artistic melody who shared her love of music by singing her youngest sister to sleep, the mischievous independent who sneaked a rice cake before dinner in the sanctuary of their backyard, and the bold risk taker who climbed for fruit on the family guava tree. Eleanor attended St. Theresa School and Sacred Hearts Academy, graduating high school in 1976.
The spirit of aloha and the grace of God brought Eleanor and Gil together on the island of Oahu, where they met in Honolulu in 1978. Their early years in love glimmered with moments together in the outdoors and the ocean, including Eleanor’s first snorkeling trip at Shark’s Cove. Their connection brought together his gentle yet adventurous spirit and her sweet, fun loving nature.
Eleanor and Gil relocated to California, where they celebrated their next great adventure with a small marriage ceremony in Menlo Park. They moved throughout the Bay Area and eventually to their home in Roseville, raising two daughters, Jessica and Kalene. As a mother, Eleanor was the laughter in the passenger seat on each family road trip. She was the cheer and applause at the sideline of a soccer game and in the audience at every dance recital. She was the wake up call on a school day morning, bursting through the bedroom to bring in the light with a song and dance. She was the frosted birthday cakes, the hand sewn Christmas stockings, and the calligraphy on cards for all occasions. She filled the house with her favorite color purple, the family’s first puppy, and with boisterous singing on her karaoke machine.
Eleanor pursued her education and career in the midst of motherhood and marriage. She proudly graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Sacramento, earning a BA in Liberal Arts in 1996 and a teaching credential in 1997. This began her 16 years as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Sierra Gardens Elementary in Roseville.
In the final walk of her journey, Eleanor empowered herself and others, using the stages of her illness as platforms for a greater purpose. She found peace and balance within herself, and branched out to support and inspire others as a source of healing and positive energy through her community work with Wellness Within, CaringBridge.org, the Kaiser Cancer Support group, and Inspire.com. Eleanor’s final glory was her precious role as a grandma to her first born grandson, Shayaan. Her family treasures the final photos of a smiling Eleanor and grandson, adoring one another on a first and last Christmas.
Eleanor is survived by her loving husband, Guillermo Gorospe, Jr., her daughters Jessica Gorospe and Kalene Khan, son-in-laws Marc Marquez and Fahd Khan, grandson Shayaan Khan, her mother Feliza Badua, and sisters Philamer Ichikawa, Carolyn Tatsuyama, and Valerie Au.
A celebration of life was held for Eleanor in Roseville, CA. Another celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary in Kaneohe, HI; visitation to begin at 9:30 a.m. and service to be held at 10:30 a.m. She will be laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Kaiser Roseville for their meticulous care and treatment. Condolences may be sent to the Gorospe household, and/or donations may be made as a tribute to Eleanor to Wellness Within or CaringBridge.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Eleanor?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eleanor?
Share a story where Eleanor's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eleanor you’ll never forget.
How did Eleanor make you smile?
