Mary Elsie Baptista

Mary Elsie Baptista died at the age of 85 on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Elsie was born to parents Joaquin and Lucinda Codinha, Portuguese immigrants, on December 30, 1926 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Elsie was the sixth of nine children. She spent most of her childhood in Little Italy in San Diego and would often share her fond memories of school and her schoolmates at Washington Elementary. Elsie married Arnold Baptista in 1941 and they began their life together in Las Vegas, New Mexico during World War II. After the war they returned to live in San Diego and enjoyed raising their five children. In 1957 they moved to Chula Vista where Elsie's house was hub for friends and family gatherings, cooking, baking and bringing warmth to all that entered. There wasn't a volunteer capacity that was unknown to Elsie. She began as room mother and quickly became PTA president at her children's schools. In the 60's and 70's she was very involved in the Democratic party and would help in any capacity to campaign for her favorite candidates. She ran for school board in the 60's with a platform to have career classes for those students not college bound which eventually actua-lized as Rancho Del Rey High School. Elsie volunteered for years at Scripps and Sharp hospitals in Chula Vista. Her service hours were numerous and she was rewarded certificates and pins for the amazing dedication she spent helping and serving others. Elsie was a devoted Catholic and proud to let everyone know. She ministered the sick and the dying taking communion to them every Sunday or as needed. She served the Lord in all things she did. Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Arnold and grandson, Duane Edward. She is survived by her brother Manuel Codinha of Chula Vista; sister Lucinda Labrincha of Danville, California; sons Arnold Frank Baptista of Elizabeth, Colorado; Joseph Baptista and Daniel Baptista of Chula Vista; and daughters Mary Ann Miglietta of Port Washington, New York; and Jeanne Brunner of Chula Vista. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Betty, Marsha and Joyce Baptista and sons-in-law Rich Miglietta and Frank Brunner. She leaves behind her 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Elsie was a loving sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her devotion to those she loved was apparent. She was a role model and an inspiration who lived her life as God led her to do. There will be a viewing and Rosary Wednesday, April 18th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Humphreys Mortuary in Chula Vista. The Rosary will start at 6:30 p.m. The funeral and celebration of Elsie's life will be Thursday, April 19th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Chula Vista. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Alzh-eimer's Foundation or San Diego Hospice in memory of Mary Elsie Baptista.