Elsie Virginia (Ortiz) Barbosa, a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on December 26, 2024. A visitation for Elsie will be held Friday, January 3, 2025 from 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM at Queen of the Holy Rosary, 7023 W. 71st Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66204, with the Rosary at 10:15 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1150 N. 38th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66102.
Elsie is survived by her children, Carol (Paul) Espinoza, Diane Barbosa, Mark (Janice) Barbosa, 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia and Leonard Ortiz; sister, Mollie Flipovitz; brother, Raymond Ortez (the Legend); granddaughter Sarah Espinoza; her husband, Tony; and dearly loved son, Gary.
Born on December 5, 1926, Elsie lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, known for her warmth, humor, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to her family.
Elsie spent her childhood in Horton, Kansas before moving to the Armourdale neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. There, she graduated from Argentine High School where she forged friendships that would last a lifetime. Elsie’s family endured the devastating Flood of 1951, a testament to their resilience in the face of hardship.
In 1953, Elsie married the love of her life, Anthony Barbosa, at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Together they raised four children, all of whom attended St. Thomas Catholic School. Their bond, rooted in love and faith, would carry them through many years of happiness and hard work.
In 1973, as part of the U.S. Urban Renewal project, the Barbosa family relocated to Overland Park, Kansas where Elsie would spend the next 51 years of her life. It was here that Elsie retired in 1991 after a long career as a toll collector with the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
Elsie’s biggest passion was her family. She cherished the time spent with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families, and she was a devoted sister-in-law. Her family was always at the center of her world and she found immense joy in their company. Her house became a gathering spot for family, culminating in the infamous “Coffee Club” weekly gatherings.
Elsie was an active member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church where she and Tony celebrated countless family milestones, including weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays. Their devotion extended to their involvement in the Our Lady of Guadalupe Society, where they attended meetings, participated in fundraising dinners, and celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe each year. These lifelong religious friendships became an integral part of Elsie’s daily life.
Holiday celebrations were always a big event at the Barbosa home, with Christmas being Elsie’s favorite. How fitting that, after a life dedicated to bringing her family together, Elsie did so once more on Christmas Day, gathering everyone to say their final goodbyes.
In addition to her faith and family, Elsie loved to travel. With her nieces and nephews, she enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Mexico, California, Milwaukee, Pennsylvania, and New York.
One of the most memorable trips was in 1982 when she and Tony visited their daughter, Carol, and her husband Paul Espinoza in Europe while Paul was stationed at Mildenhall Air Force Base in the UK. Together they toured Europe, including a visit to the Vatican.
Other memorable vacations she enjoyed with her kids (and grandkids) included trips to L.A., San Francisco, and Sacramento. The families also traveled together to Crested Butte, Colorado twice.
Elsie’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many dear friends.
Her life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and deep faith. Elsie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace.
