Elisa Gomez

Elisa was born on May 19, 1923, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was the eldest daughter of Juan Gonzalez and Cruz Romero and grew up with 13 brothers and sisters. As a young child, her family moved to Lemon Grove, Ca, where they experienced the historic Lemon Grove Incident. A defining moment in the fight for education equality. Elisa grew up in a family that believed in standing up for what was right. Her father, Juan González, played the lead role in the historic Lemon Grove Incident by organizing the community and leading the successful fight against the segregation of Mexican children in the local school. That spirit of strength and compassion remained with Elisa throughout her life.

Her family moved to Logan Heights, where Elisa met the love of her life, Marcus L. Gomez. Elisa and Marcus married in 1942 and shared 64 beautiful years together until Marcus passed away in 2006. In 1947, they bought their home in ShellTown where together they built a family and home filled with love, faith, and laughter. They endured many historical events together including World War II, Civil Rights Movement, and Vietnam War. During their years, Elisa and Marcus enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas with family, thanks to the Vegas trips organized by her sister Auntie Micha. They stayed and gambled at classic casinos such as the Castaways, Golden Nugget, and Four Queens. Elisa was very lucky at the dollar machines. She would come home with stories of another big win, and our family would laugh and celebrate. One of her favorite sayings was "Bar, Bar, Bar…777 together!"

Elisa's greatest joy was the family she built and loved. She taught by example that true wealth is measured by kindness, faith and the unconditional love we give to our family. She was the matriarch of six generations, living to see her children and grandchildren carry on her legacy. Her home was the heart and soul of every gathering where the kitchen was always full of family, conversations and food. On any day, a dozen family members could be found around her table eating her homemade tortillas, beans, tamales and watching her son Uncle Marcus or granddaughter Marlene styling someone’s hair. Her home was a sanctuary where everyone felt welcomed, safe, and deeply loved.

Elisa was truly One-of-a-Kind and ahead of her time. Long before organic living became popular, she had her backyard filled with fruit and avocado trees, and fresh vegetables. She believed food was medicine and rarely ate at restaurants, instead cooking at home saying, “my food tastes better.” She loved to garden and had many rose plants. Health and fitness were important to her. She enjoyed sweeping her alley, exercising and watching the Jack LaLanne fitness show. Her healthy eating and lifestyle contributed to her longevity. She didn’t drink, smoke or take medications. She didn’t suffer from chronic illnesses and remained active well into her late years. To keep her mind sharp, she loved to read, she did puzzles, word searches, and played solitaire. She enjoyed See’s Candy, Juicy Fruit gum, and a Hershey's chocolate bar every day. Elisa didn’t worry and stress. She would say, “put your worries in God’s hands, enjoy spending time in nature relaxing, and get your vitamin D from the Sun.”

Beyond caring for her own children, Elisa cared for countless grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Many family members never attended daycare because they had Grandma’s house. She found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, quilting, dancing, singing, and filling her home with music. Some of her favorite artists were Mariah Carey and Vicente Fernandez. She loved listening to her nephew Sammy singing, especially his Christmas cassette “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” as she made tamales. She had a wonderful sense of humor. Her quick wit and one-liners brought laughter. She would say, “Don’t be sad when I am gone…you should have come to see me when I was alive”

We love you Mama…Thank you for everything you did for us.

You were a blessing to us, and you will Forever be in our hearts…

“Goodbyes are not Forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we’ll miss you until we meet again…”

Elisa is survived by her children, Beatrice, Elizabeth, Phillip, Christine, Elaine, Susan, Andy, Ralph, Lorraine and Louise. Her brother Uncle Henry, 38 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, 46 great-great grandchildren, 1 great-great-great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Marcus L. Gomez, son Marcus Jr. Sisters Julia, Micha, and Minnie. Brothers Frank, Art, John, Jess, Jody, Jerry, Manuel, Bobby and Louie.