Elena Marie Callis

Elena Marie Callis of Leander, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 6, 2023 at the age of 66. Elena was born on December 3, 1956 in Austin, Texas to the late parents, Richard Gonsalez and Frances Botello, both from Austin, Texas.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas. She attended school and worked in the area all of her life. In 1998 she began her career with Capitol Metro and retired in 2023 after 25 years of service and had numerous friendships and memories that she cherished dearly.

Elena is survived by her husband of 10 years, James Callis, her children and spouses: Christa Gibbons (Johnnie), Larissa Gomez (Gabriel), Raul (Roy) Selvera and Brita Selvera and her stepchildren and their spouses: James Dupree Callis (Takara), Ty Callis, Marcus Manfield (Chloe) and Joshua Callis.

Elena was a doting grandmother to grandchildren: Richard, Gabriela, Tristin, Joaquin, Natalia, Kairo, Jazmine, Aubrianna, Sophia, Carmen and Ariya and great grandchild: Ruby. She was excited to have a great granddaughter expected in October. She was very proud of her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She would do anything for them. She was very creative and enjoyed sewing Halloween and dance costumes when needed. She was active, attending many concerts and performances, having sleepovers, teaching them to dance, cooking for them, fostering creativity by crafting with them, having water gun fights with them, and crocheting special gifts for them.

The oldest of twelve, Elena had a special relationship with her brothers and sisters: Rita Gonsalez-Bush (James), Rosemary Villanueva (Steve), Paul Gonsalez, Richard Gonsalez III (Jeff Dillard), Frank Gonsalez, Julia Ann Gonzales (Joel), Juliet Flores, Michael Gonsalez (Vivian) , Phillip Gonsalez, Joe Fred Gonsalez, and Tom Gonsalez. Her love and care extended not only to her immediate family but also to her aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will dearly miss her.

Elena will be best remembered for her creativity, artistic talent, and her love of ceramic painting. Anyone who was fortunate enough to receive her handmade creations can attest Elena had a knack for turning everyday objects into art. When she wasn’t creating, she was tending to her many plants. She had a beautiful yard and took great pride in it. Her talents were not limited to just her hands, as she loved Tejano dancing and was always a willing instructor to many family members and friends. Among the top of her priorities were her dogs, Chase and Pearl, as she loved and cared for them unconditionally.

Let us not forget Elena was a strong, independent and resilient woman. She overcame many obstacles in her life. She moved to Leander without much but worked hard to build a stable and solid foundation for her children. She would do whatever it would take to provide for her family including working 2 jobs, walking to work, selling her crafts, getting up early before work to make breakfast tacos to sell or making items so they had what they needed. Her hard work and tenacity allowed her to purchase a home on her own in Leander and eventually buy the truck she always wanted. She is the epitome of resilience, strength and perseverance.

Elena Marie Callis will forever be cherished as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her legacy of love, talent and resiliency will continue to inspire us all. May she rest in eternal peace.

The family extends many thanks to Dr. Wang, Dr. Sheinbein, Dr. Fisher and the Texas Oncology staff for their care, comfort and compassion.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Elena Callis on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 from 11AM-2PM at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, William Benish Parish Hall.

1101 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX 78613.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.wcfishleander.com for the Callis family.