Elsa Avalos' Obituary
Elsa Avalos was born on July 30, 1925 in Santa Ana, El Salvador to Lucille Guerra and Rafael Avalos. Elsa brought notoriety to the Avalos home for many reasons. She was often named Reina de Los Diarios (Queen of the Newspapers) where she would lead parades in floats designed for her but her fame didn't stop there. She excelled in sports becoming the Team Captain on her basketball team and was then nicknamed 'Emilo', and with her determination to always win, she broke Track and Field records.Being the third oldest girl in a family of 11, taking care of people was something that came very natural to her, so she moved to San Salvador and in 1947 she graduated from Nursing School. Becoming a nurse was one of her greatest accomplishments as she utterly enjoyed taking care of people, nursing them back to health and educating people on how to care for themselves. In 1952 she was appointed Director of Public Health and Hygiene in San Salvador. In 1971, she retired from French Hospital in San Francisco, CA as its Head Charge Nurse.In 1947 she met Jaime Rubio and with him she had her three children Consuelo, Angel Ernesto and Enrique Abel. Despite her blossoming career, Elsa wanted more for herself and her children and in 1953 she left them behind in San Salvador to start a new life in San Francisco, CA. Once here, she quickly became acclimated to the culture not letting the language barrier stop her from accomplishing her goals. English being one of her goals, she learned it in record time. 7 years later, she managed to finally bring her children home to another life changing goals accomplished.Nursing was Elsa's life, but in 1971 after the birth of her grandson Enrique, she retired and became a stay at home mom. Finally being able to slow down, she enjoyed the simpler things. She spent time visiting and caring for her family, going to flea markets, collecting tea cups, camping, traveling, playing Chinese checkers and doing Word Puzzles.Despite the tragic loss of her sons and the loss of mobility to her feet, and many other heartbreaking misfortunes she continued to be resilient, strong and courageous, yet always charming and entertaining. Always the nurse, she was always eager and willing to help those in need. She never faltered and her life was fulfilled with her love for her family.Elsa is survived by her daughter Consuelo of San Francisco, her three grandchildren, Elsa Padilla of Newark, Jovan Payes of Livingston, Ysela Menjivar of Castro Valley, her thirteen great grandchildren and her two great, great granddaughters.Jovan Payes will be conducting her Memorial service which will be held on Monday, July 8th at 11:00 AM, at the Oceanview Church of Christ in Pacifica followed by a small reception. The family invites you to share this precious moment with them.
What’s your fondest memory of Elsa?
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