Elvira Concepcion Terranova Demaya

Elvira "Chony" Demaya, beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully after a long illness. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the 2nd of five siblings, she immigrated to the United States more than 50 years ago and later became a proud naturalized citizen who could read and write in the English language.

Chony devoted her life to family. Though she worked several jobs over the years, including airport security and at the local public school, her deepest joy was raising her children and keeping loved ones close. With a sharp cheeky wit and a generous heart, she taught by example- urging those around her to treasure shared moments over life's small anxieties. Wise beyond her years, she instilled in her children courage, optimism, and the quiet acceptance that life’s changes are part of nature's unfolding.

A voracious reader and devoted crossword solver, Chony found solace in her garden and on her patio, where she would sit among her flowers and plants and quietly reflect - often petting the family dog or appreciating the birds paying a visit. Music fed her soul-classical pieces like Concerto de Aranjuez and the folk strains of Los Chalchaleros often carried her back to memories of home. Often, she would ask to hear the Stones, Beatles, and even Pink Floyd - celebrating music as part of her life. She loved animals deeply, especially her dog Pookie and the many cats she cared for in later years.

Renowned in the family kitchen, she drew everyone together with homemade spaghetti, unforgettable cannelloni, tortilla de papas and her signature empanadas. She made the best Shepherd’s Pie ever!

Chony treasured her siblings and lifelong friendships in both Argentina and the United States, particularly her sister Delia (Piruca) and her brothers Juan (Coco), Oscar (Chichin) and Jose (Pepe). She also cherished longtime family friend Angelica. In later years, modern technology became a lifeline that allowed her to remain close to loved ones she could no longer visit—a comfort she valued deeply.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Oscar “Cacho” Demaya; her children Diego Demaya his wife Karen Sprague, Laura Scates and her husband Bobby, and youngest daughter Marisa Demaya. She leaves a legacy of laughter, resilience, and unconditional love. Her gentle counsel—always to keep hope alive and to embrace life fully—will live on in everyone who knew her.

Chony will be remembered for her warm kindness, lively humor, creative spirit, fierce loyalty, and for being the glue that bound the family together. She will be especially missed at gatherings and on her birthday, which so often fell near Mother’s Day. Her family finds comfort in the certainty that her spirit endures in their hearts. Chony loved to travel and was famous for taking us on train rides everywhere when we were little! Now, she embarks on her greatest journey!

We all love you mama! Querida mamá Chony, te queremos mucho y permanecerás en nuestros corazones.