- Date Of Birth: July 19, 1933
- Date Of Death: April 27, 2021
- State: Colorado
Elsa Maria Davila (Garcia) was born in Eagle Pass Texas on July 19, 1933 to
Ignacio Garcia and Luisa Garcia (Santos). She spent most of her growing up
years in Nebraska, but it was in the beautiful state of Denver, Colorado
where she planted her roots and created her legacy
Anyone who encountered Elsa was greeted with a magnetic whole-hearted
smile and with open arms. She was gifted at making the people around her
feel loved and welcomed. So much so that many people adopted her as
their bonus mother/grandmother. She was a remarkable listener, storyteller,
and took great joy in hearing others’ life stories.
Never missing a beat, Elsa was quick witted, good humored, and enjoyed
making people laugh. This was especially delightful when a serious matter
was at play. She would make silly faces behind the back of her husband
while he was scolding his children/grandchildren or during a prayer that was
taking too long. She had a way in making the harder moments feel lighter
and the brighter moments feel longer.
Elsa was married to Rafael Davila for 63 years. Their bond was devoted,
playful, and connected; they were always together and very loving toward
each other. She had a way of making Rafael laugh despite his serious
demeanor. They were a respectful partnership in every way – he ran a
rubbish removal business, while she did all the books and administrative
work for the business as well as taking care of her children and
grandchildren.
A courageous spirit, Elsa was an avid explorer and sidekick in many great
adventures. She navigated endless road trips and as the leader of countless
bus trips around Denver. She was always excited to have several
grandchildren tagging along. All of this was made more entertaining with
her creative games, contagious laughter and good spirit.
others. Upon entering her home, aromas of some delightful dish took over.
There was no way to resist her cooking partly because it was irresistible and
partly because she insisted. She was known for her tamales, green chili,
mole, salsas, rice and beans. For many she will be remembered for the joy
she brought through her Wednesday burritos. We adored her for the songs
she sang in the kitchen and the grace she held while moving around as she
cooked. There was a rhythm and a love to her cooking that could be tasted
and felt. Apart from cooking, Elsa enjoyed sewing, word search puzzles, and
reading murder mysteries/romance books. She loved tending to her garden
of colorful roses; yellow being her favorite. She could be often found on the
phone with friends or family catching up on all the chisme. Watching daily
shows were a ritual for Elsa with Price is Right and Days of Our Lives during
the day and Murder She Wrote in the evening. These textures of her being
were a gift.
Elsa left this earth on April 27, 2021 to join the Lord in heaven. She is
preceded in death by her parents Ignacio and Luisa Garcia; sister Magda
Contreras; sons Ralph Davila, and Randolph Davila. She is survived by her
husband of 63 years, Rafael Davila; children Lillian Davila (Tony Cardenas);
Roderick Davila (Annette); Lydia Davila-Morales (Jesus); siblings Viola Cortez,
Nora Guzman (Ross), Dave Nuncio (Pat), Saul Nuncio (Yolanda), Elizabeth
Conroy (Gene), Sam Nuncio (Reynalda), and Naomi Rivera (Dennis), several
grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as other individuals who
considered her as a second mother/grandmother.
Elsa was an extraordinary person, who’s light will be greatly missed by all of
those who knew and loved her.
