Elsa Maria Davila
July 19, 1933 ~ April 27, 2021
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.
Elsa was an amazing cook and took great pleasure in sharing food with
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.
Care and services have been entrusted to Stork Bullock Mortuary
I fell in love with Elsa before I was part of the family. The first time I met Elsa was for a wedding for her sister Naomi. She was so welcome and bubbly the whole time Dave and I were there. Since September 1977 she became my favorite for her warm sense off positivity and the foods she made; which you had to eat before you left her house. I remember one night she was at my house and we were talking about tamales. She HAD to go to the store and get the ingredients to make them that night. She says "Oh it won't take long." Have you ever made tamales? I think they take a long time. she was a wonderful seamstress and I envied the fabulous dresses her girls wore when I saw them. Her and Ralph and the family would come back to Shelton to visit and I always enjoyed visiting with her. She would let me know what they were saying when they spoke Spanish since I didn't understand the conversation. Elsa was one special lady and I will never forget for her caring nature for everyone she meets, her humor and the wonderful person she was. Heaven gained a #1 angel.
My sister Elsa was the best cook of everything she made. She would make me pork chili and bring it back to Nebraska when they came to Shelton. If she stayed at my house she would get up and have "a feast" made for breakfast. I remember on game days she would make colored popcorn balls to match the colors of the teams that were playing. I always heard about it if (and when) Colorado would beat Nebraska in football. When she would come back to Shelton after she moved out I always look forward to seeing her because she was so kind to me and my younger siblings. Elsa was a great sister and I will forever miss her. She is in a better place and heaven gained a new angel.
Elsa was a sweet, smart woman who had an excellent sense of humor and contagious smile. I will miss her. Her family is excellent and I know that she and Rafael helped this world out by instituting good values, respect, thoughtfulness and kindness in themselves and their children. My best to Rafael and the rest of the family.