Thelma Madrigal

Thelma Sarreal Madrigal, 79 years old, passed away on March 6, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Thelma was born in the Philippines to Antero Sarreal and Corazon Limcaco.

She served as a nurse for over 55 years. In 1967, she married Eleodoro Madrigal and in 1968, she had a daughter, Cheryl. In 1970, Thelma brought Cheryl with her and immigrated to the United States. Thelma worked at the University of Virginia for less than 2 years. In late 1971, she accepted a nurse director position at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and they moved to New York. Elly immigrated to the US then and met her there. In 1973, her first son was born, Elly Jr. Thelma earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from Columbia University while she continued to work at Bronx Lebanon. She then worked another 10 years at the Veterans Administration in the Bronx. Elly and Thelma had their youngest son, Donele in 1982.

Elly and Thelma moved to Rockland County while continuing to commute to the Bronx and Manhattan for employment. It was in 1986 when they bought two adult homes: Swan Lake and Park Terrace, and subsequently ran them for 20 years. In the early 2000s, they moved to Las Vegas to retire. Elly Sr. passed in 2008, and in 2010 Thelma married Rodrigo Bustamante. They loved to travel, going on many cruises and visiting many relatives all over the world. Thelma and Rod built a house in Las Vegas and enjoyed going to casinos and shows all over town.

Thelma Madrigal is preceded in death by Antero Sarreal Sr. and Corazon Limcaco Sarreal, her parents, and Eleodoro L. Madrigal, her first husband.

Thelma is survived by her second husband, Rodrigo Bustamante, her daughter, Cheryl Madrigal Ellemberg, her husband Steve Ellemberg, her son, Eleodoro S.

Madrigal Jr and his wife Willow DiLuzio, her son, Donele S. Madrigal, her step-daughter Rhovie Ann Bustamante, and step-son Jonrod Bustamante.  Thelma’s grandchildren in order by age are Amber Diluzio, Brandon Ellemberg, Dylan Ellemberg, Austin Ellemberg, Chloe Madrigal, Jasmine Madrigal, Niko Madrigal, Leland Madrigal, and Lyric Madrigal.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on March 18, 2023, at Davis Funeral home where there will be Roman Catholic blessings and a celebration of life offered by her family and close friends.

The family would like to offer our sincere thanks to Eufemia Catapang, Thelma’s best friend since nursing school in the Philippines.  Also, a sincere thank you to Infinity Hospice for making her last days as comfortable as possible, so she could be pain-free and rest in peace.

Thelma was a great person, always serving others before herself.  Her love for education and caregiving during her nursing career will never be forgotten.  Most of all, she acted as an inspiration to many with her wild spirit to live life to the fullest, to live with a good head and a good heart, and to be the best role model, as a wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend.   Thelma lives in our hearts always and her legacy continues in her children and grandchildren.  Thank you to Thelma for fulfilling a life of purpose, spontaneity, generosity, and love.