Elsa Jean Diaz's Obituary
Diaz, Elsa Jean (Garcia), 73, passed away Saturday, May 26, 2012 after a long and courageous fight with cancer. She was born in Tampa on November 16, 1938, was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and attended the University of Tampa . Elsa spent many years as the judicial assistant to Hillsborough County Judges Carl Durrance and Walter Burnside. During her later years she was a teacher's aide at Tampa Bay Elementary School before she retired to travel with her husband. She was a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, a member of Las Damas del Centro Asturiano de Tampa, Sister Cities of Tampa, the Pokeno Club and treasurer of the Friendship Club. She was predeceased by her parents Teresa (Alvarez) and James C. Garcia, and her sister Elma G. Zambito. Elsa is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Armando; daughter Michele Avila and husband Nicolas; daughter Melanie Lee and husband Bobby; grandchildren, Christina and Alicia Avila; Danielle and Ryan Lee; brother Jerry Garcia; sister Evelyn Garcia McGucken; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, especially Carrie, Norma and Elva. Elsa was a caring wife, loving mother and faithful friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 31 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Boza & Roel Funeral Home, 4730 N. Armenia Ave, Tampa, FL 33603. A Funeral Mass for the repose of her soul will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church on Friday, June 1 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Academy of the Holy Names, 3319 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33629 in memory of Elsa Diaz or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 (www.cancer.org). Heartfelt thanks to LifePath Hospice Ruby Team especially Cheryl.
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