Elia graduated from PSJA High School in 1953 and quickly set her mind to further pursue her education. She stayed close to home and attended Pan American University in Edinburg, TX. She then decided to spread her wings just a bit and made a choice to go a little further. She took several courses at the Incarnate Word College, Our Lady of the Lake and Texas Southern University.
Along her journey, Elia realized her calling and around 1965, as an Education Director and Career Development Coordinator, with Hidalgo County, Elia helped develop the first Head Start Program in San Juan. Her commitment to her community was seen and known by many in her local town. However, this was just a stepping stone in her journey. During the years of 1972- 1977, she ventured out to Corpus Christi, TX where she joined the Nueces County Community Action Agency where she once again helped develop Head Start programs for the community. It was evident that Elia was passionate about serving others, especially those in need. Elias’s heart was full of so much love. She returned to San Juan to serve her community once more and for the remainder of her career. She joined the Virgen De San Juan, Del Valle Shrine as the Hotel and Cafeteria Supervisor and then in 1993 she was promoted to Manager of the Hotel and Cafeteria. After retirement, Elia continued to volunteer her time and service with a Senior Companion program providing assistance and friendship to older adults who had difficulty with daily living tasks, such as shopping and paying bills.
Elia didn’t just serve her community; she served her family. On Sundays, Elia and her dear friend Rebecca would light up their bar-b-q pit and invite family and friends over. It gave Elia so much pride and joy to cook and enjoy the company of family and friends. Her beautiful heart kept her as busy as a bee. If friends or family weren’t visiting her, she was out visiting them. When she wanted to get away, she took to the outdoors. Fishing at the beach and the sound of the waves provided her with peace and tranquility to rejuvenate the soul. It was known that she had her poles in the garage, set up and ready to go for any opportunity to head out to the water. Even as Elia reached her higher years, she always made time for her family and especially for her pride and joy, her Mother. Their bond was undeniably special, and Elia never once lost sight of her in her heart nor in her mind. She was a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed by those who came in close contact with her. ❤☀️
* Elia is survived by her siblings; Romeo Sloss (Teresa), Manuel Sloss (Ofelia), Yolanda Sloss Salinas (Jose Carlos), Diana Sloss, Criselda Sloss Borjas (Paulo Antonio), Aida Sloss Bravo (Enrique) and Margot Iris Sloss. She leaves behind a niece; Sandra Denise Sloss who she saw and treated like a daughter along with numerous other nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
Elia was preceded in death by her mother Soila L. Sloss and her father Manuel Sloss; her brothers David Sloss and Armando Sloss.
A visitation for Elia will be held Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley in Pharr, TX. A chapel service will occur Monday, March 14, 2022 at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley, in Pharr, TX at 10:00 AM, and a burial to follow at 11:00 AM Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, in Pharr.
