Elizabeth Bunbury Matalobos

Elizabeth “Lela” or “Ely” Bunbury Matalobos, an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed into God’s arms engulfed by the love and prayers of her family on July 27 after humbly enduring multiple chronic conditions and illnesses for many years.

Lela was married for 47 years to the love of her life, J.M. “Chucho” Matalobos, who went to our Lord, 14 years before her. Lela leaves behind her daughter, Mary Carmen Matalobos and her son Alexander Joseph Matalobos and daughter-in-law Pamela Ann, and her four grandchildren for whom she lived every day in both prayer and joyful pride: Jacob, Andrew, Cassandra and Hannah Matalobos. Additionally, she leaves behind her sister Susan M. Bunbury of Bourne, Massachusetts and a brother Dr. Richard R. Bunbury of Carver, Massachusetts. And of course, she leaves many adored primos, amigos and “hermanos y hermanas” and beloved family friends who will miss her dearly.

Lela lived everyday so proud of her American citizenship, always grateful for the freedom, integrity and pride of being a naturalized citizen. She came to the U.S.A. after escaping Cuba in the wake of the Communist government seizing her family’s homes, business and wealth. Lela, along with her husband, Chucho, successfully rebuilt her life here in their beloved United States. Together with her husband, she created a wonderfully loving family, a fulfilling professional life, a lovely home and tireless devotion to her children and grandchildren always.

Lela's family invites all who love her to attend the visitation which will be held at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church, 1718 FL-13, Jacksonville, FL 32259, US, on August 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location on August 8, 2026, beginning at 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Chapel Hills Memory Gardens, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225, US, on August 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.