Gliceria S.L. Padilla's Obituary
Leticia “Letty” San Luis Padilla, MD May 13, 1932 – January 7, 2026
Dr. Gliceria (Letty) San Luis Padilla, MD, age 93, passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Manila, Philippines, on May 13, 1932, Letty was the cherished daughter of Dolores Reyes and Judge Teofilo San Luis, Sr. Her early experiences during World War II inspired her lifelong commitment to helping others, and she pursued her calling in medicine, graduating from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School, Class of 1957. She treasured lifelong friendships with her classmates, especially her beloved “Champaka Gang,” and remained connected with them through medical missions and reunions around the world.
Letty came to New York in 1958 for her medical internship, and it was there on New Year’s Eve that she met Dr. Jaime S. Padilla, her future husband. They married in June 1959 and built a life together in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, raising five children: Leticia (Tish), Jaime J. (Jim), George, Mark, and Peter.
Dr. San Luis practiced medicine with compassion and dedication at Elmhurst General Hospital and Unity Hospital in New York, and later at Pennhurst and Wernersville State Hospitals in Pennsylvania, until her retirement.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Letty created a warm and welcoming home filled with love and cherished family traditions — especially sharing her ancestral recipes. She enjoyed travel, classic films, detective shows, and always encouraged her family to explore the world.
Letty was predeceased by her parents Dolores Reyes and Teofilo San Luis, Sr.; her siblings Rosalina Marcelo and Teofilo San Luis, Jr.; and her step‑siblings Maning San Pedro, Lydia Dizon, and Tessie Amante.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Dr. Jaime S. Padilla; her children Leticia (Tish) Padilla, Jaime J. (Jim) and Yvette Padilla, George Padilla, Mark and Colleen Padilla, and Peter Padilla; her grandchildren Samantha, Megan, Jonathan, Jason, and Shannon Padilla; and her extended family including step‑siblings Erling San Luis Agana, Dr. Danilo San Luis, Rose San Luis Go, and Teofilo (Ching) San Luis, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, on February 16, 2026, followed by a small reception with family and friends.
Letty’s kindness, strength, and love touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
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