She was born in 1920 to Jose Villa Torres and Manuela Parra Casavantes Villa—both of whom were immigrants from Chihuahua, Mexico. She had 7 siblings who preceded her in death.
Elvira was a community organizer and leader of the Chamizal Civic Association. She traveled to Washington D.C. to discuss the Chamizal Treaty with elected officials. Historians of South El Paso and Segundo Barrio have written extensively about her activities. She was also featured on a 2006 short film titled, Vila, a nickname given to her by her father.
In 1964, she attended as a special guest to Mexican President Adolfo Lopez-Mateos the bi-national ceremony to commemorate the Chamizal Treaty. Later, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded her a silver medal inscribed with her name to thank her for helping the government more equitably settle the Chamizal Dispute.
Elvira was known for describing herself as a proud American. She was always a strong, well dressed, positive, loving woman, devoted to her family. An activist who was willing to take the lead in solving injustices.
A skilled seamstress, Elvira worked at several garment factories in both Los Angeles and El Paso, and later as a line supervisor at Hicks-Ponder. She owned rental properties and multiple grocery stories in Segundo Barrio.
She was married for the final time in 1977 to Leopoldo Escajeda (deceased), a World War II veteran. Not long after the death of her husband, she went to live in Eden Assisted Living Center.
Elvira continued to serve in leadership positions. She was an active member of Bienvivir, a senior health facility in El Paso, where she served as a member representative and took meetings with management. She was respected by her peers.
She was preceded in death by her seven siblings: Arturo, Evangelina, José (Pepino), Celia, Elena, Hilberto, Gilbert, and husband Leopoldo Escajeda. She will be buried with her husband at Fort Bliss Cemetery. She is survived by many nieces and nephews who adored her.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00pm with Rosary at 6:30pm Monday, January 24, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Ave., El Paso, Texas 79903. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am Tuesday, January 25, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3729 Hueco Ave., El Paso, Texas. Committal at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMartin.com for the Escajeda family.
