Elsa Marianela Garces, 52, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away on September 30, 2026.Elsa was a devoted Catholic woman of faith and a dedicated educator who spent her career teaching early childhood education and Spanish at Northside Catholic Academy, Immaculate Conception–St. Joseph School, and Pope Francis Global Academy on the North and Northwest Sides of Chicago. She was a beloved teacher whose students felt the love, compassion, and dedication she poured into them. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she shared God’s love and His word with those around her.
Above all, Elsa was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy and her reason to keep fighting. Although she was no longer teaching in a classroom, she continued to be their teacher, sharing her faith, wisdom, love, and lessons about life. Elsa will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Marco A. Cueva; daughters, Maria J. Pelayo and Nathalie E. Cueva; grandson, Sebastian A. Pelayo; granddaughter, Isabella S. Pelayo; son-in-law, Antonio Pelayo; and her many family members, friends, former students, and all those whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. Funeral Mass will take place Monday, October 5, 11:00 am at St Pascal Catholic Church, 3935 N Melvina Ave, Chicago, IL 60634.
