Elsie Juarez, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 8th, 2020. She was born in 1932 in Bisbee, Arizona to Edwin and Carmen Melville and was preceded in death by her ex-husband Benjamin Ortiz Romo in 1988 and by their son Rene Ortiz in 1953.
To those who knew Elsie, she was rarely still and had an enthusiasm and zest for life. Among other things, she enjoyed plants, animals and conversations with family and friends. Elsie was a girl’s girl and loved discussing jewelry and cosmetics. She was always very excited to visit the Gem and Mineral show when it was in town every year. She was quick to make new friends and had a very good sense of humor which will be sorely missed.
Elsie embodied a pioneering spirit and started working from a very young age. Her ability to adapt and be brave in the circumstance of adversity was a hallmark of her character. Elsie enjoyed many personal and professional successes throughout her life and she did her best to provide for the well-being of her mother Carmen Melville and of course to her 5 children.
Elsie is survived by her children Carlos and his wife Irene Ortiz, Benjamin and his wife Beth Ortiz, Norma Bradley, Robert Ortiz (deceased), and J. Armando Ortiz and his wife Mary Ann Ortiz as well as grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends, all of whom she deeply loved. Masses and prayers offered on Elsie’s behalf were of course greatly appreciated and in line with Elsie’s Catholic faith tradition.
A celebration of life will be celebrated at St. Mark The Evangelist Catholic Church, 2727 W. Tangerine Road, Oro Valley, AZ on Wednesday, June 26, 2021 with a Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.