Elena Margarita Gargaro Laffey, of Middleburg, Florida, was welcomed into Heaven on the morning of March 7, 2021. She was born on November 26, 1935, in Waltham, MA and is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Lt. Colonel Thomas Patrick Laffey Retired USAF. She was predeceased by her sister Dolores Wilson.
Elena peacefully “ “left the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings” while being prayerfully comforted by her loving husband Pat, her four children Kimberley (Christopher Hanrahan) Middleburg, FL, Joseph Laffey (Caryl) Dallas, TX, DeWayne Laffey (Pamela) Atlanta, GA, Carmen (Dr. William Bond) Houston, TX , her granddaughter Tiffany Kast, Dallas, TX and Angela LeBlanc, her friend from freshman year of college, Kennebunk, ME.
A true Renaissance spirit captured the life of Elena Laffey. She graduated from Boston University in 1958 with a major in Studio Art. Meeting the love of her life on Cape Cod, her flair for Interior Design served her well as she raised her military family in disparate locations such as Massachusetts, California, Puerto Rico, Oklahoma, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona.
Her love of anything with four legs from Great Danes to championship horses was well known and imparted upon her children.
Elena left a legacy of love which will be treasured by her family, friends and her many four legged companions.
A memorial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elena’s name to:
Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
( https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/fljnc )
Safe Animal Shelter, 2913 County Road 220, Middleburg, FL 32068
( https://safeanimalshelter.com/ )
The charity of your choice.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
