Elenita Alvarez "Ellen" Tompkins

Elenita 'Ellen' Alvarez Tompkins, born January 6, 1956 in Biñan, Laguna, Philippines, passed away peacefully in her home the morning of December 23, 2023. She is survived by husband Donald Tompkins, son Andrew Tompkins, grandson Hayden Tompkins, daughter and son-in-law Alyssa and Shawn Leedy, siblings Nellie Potterf, Edgar Alvarez, and Vicente Alvarez, and her many and much-beloved nieces and nephews.

In the Philippines, Ellen attended school at Lake Shore Educational Institution and graduated in 1972. She then emigrated to the United States in 1976 with brothers Edgar and Vicente and with help from her sisters Dorie and Nellie. Ellen attended college and received her associate's degree from Linfield College and became a Certified Nursing Assistant through the Chemeketa Community College program. She worked as a CNA at Salem Hospital, ultimately retiring with a total of 41 years in her career and most notably in the inpatient rehabilitation unit. During her career, Ellen made many lasting friendships which she held dear to her heart and continued after she retired in early 2021.

Ellen and Don met in late 1985, through her sister entering her information into the newspaper. They bonded over many dates and even went to the Philippines together in 1987. Soon enough, they were married and had Andrew and Alyssa. Ellen ensured family life included several great memories like camping, road trips, birthday parties, and lots of time with cousins.

Ellen had as many hobbies as she had designer purses. She loved shopping wherever she went, be it Costco, Washington Square, Woodburn Outlets, or Nordstrom Rack. It was a rare occasion when she did not run into someone she knew while out. Ellen was also known for maintaining a beautiful garden, with flowers, fruits, veggies, and a koi pond. She would often make freezer jams, baked goods, and other dishes with her home-grown goodies. Ellen was an avid seamstress and was a vendor at many craft bazaars. For several years, she was also involved in dance groups that performed Polynesian and Filipino dances. Many of her relatives remember performing with her at the state fair. She was an accomplished DIYer who would find new projects around the house to complete, along with the help of her brothers. Ellen continued in her parents' and sister's tradition of hosting many family gatherings at "the blue house with the lions".

Together with her brother in 2012, Ellen opened the Adoracion Adult Foster Home, a care home that provides a home-like setting for those who need assisted living. Her goal was to offer a family-like environment while caring for others: something she did for her eldest sister, Adoracion, and her parents, Helen and Vicente Sr. Ellen passed the care home to her sister-in-law Dolores (Dolly) Alvarez in 2022, so her legacy of caregiving with love and selflessness remains to this day.

Ellen will be deeply and sorely missed by all who loved her. May we uphold her caring manner in our daily actions and in the love that we have for one another. Please join us in remembering Ellen in the Facebook group "Remembering Elenita Alvarez-Tompkins" at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118676439296953