Elida Pope

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elida Pope, beloved wife, mother, sister, Lolli, Tia, and friend. After a long, hard battle with cancer, she left us on August 23, 2023 at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on October 21, 1954, Elida, affectionately known in childhood as Chichin and better known today as Eli, Mom, and Lolli, grew up in a small, close-knit farming community in the rural interior of Panama. Those days were spent chasing chickens and catching iguanas for dinner, watching butterflies in her mother's flower garden, knocking mangos out of trees (one of her favorite foods), riding horses around the farm or to the river, and being nurtured by her large extended family. Elida had big dreams for the future she wanted to make for herself, so, with her family's support, she left home and moved in with her beloved Aunt Gloria in the city to go to school. After finishing her schooling, she became a legal assistant and was crowned the government's Miss Panama where she represented the government at state functions and events. While out celebrating her Aunt's birthday, she caught the attention of a young American soldier who was stationed in the Canal Zone, and they began dating under chaperone for a year before going on their first independent date. Jim and Eli married on June 30, 1978, and she soon moved with her new husband to the United States. They were dedicated to each other for 46 years, and Jim considered it an honor to care for her in her final years after she had cared so well for him for over 40 years. They had three children, Chrystal, Jessica, and Jimmy, who were the center of Eli's world. Caring for them was one of the great joys of her life. Once they were older, she went back to school and poured that energy into becoming a registered nurse, serving mainly oncology patients for over 20 years. Her dependability and dedication to caring for others was a hallmark of her life, and was something that brought comfort to all whose lives she touched. Eli was delighted to welcome her children's spouses, Carter, Henis, and Alexia, into the family with open arms, supporting them as if they were her own. Among the other great joys of her life were her seven dearly cherished grandchildren, Henry, Sam, James, Amelie, June, Charlie, and Natalie, all of whom brought her immense joy. She loved being a Lolli, doting over and watching her grandbabies grow.
Elida will be remembered for her caring nature and constant striving to be better, as well as her dependability, strength, humility, genuineness and courage. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and those embattled with the same disease that eventually took her life. The lives she touched have been forever enriched by her presence, and her memory will continue to guide and inspire those who were privileged to know her.
A visitation will be held at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home in Dale City, VA on Tuesday, August 29th from 6-8pm, mass will be held on Wednesday, August 30 at 11am at Holy Family church in Woodbridge, VA to be followed by a funeral service at National Memorial Park Cemetery at 1pm in Falls Church, VA. While Eli loved flowers, we also wanted to give an alternative and ask that you consider donating to a cause of your choice in memory of Elida Pope. We have compiled a list of organizations, many of which we owe profound thanks and gratitude to for the way they touched Elida's life, as a suggestion: Inova Schar Cancer Institute / Inova Life with Cancer / Inova Fairfax Hospital
Inova Fairfax is where Eli received care for breast, lymphoma, and leukemia cancers. Her dedicated doctors supported her, treated her with respect, and helped her to seek the best care she needed. It is also where Jessica, Jimmy, and granddaughter Amelie were born. This gift will support cancer care / cancer support for those living with cancer / a hospital that serves the Northern Virginia community. Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at John Hopkins
Eli underwent a clinical trial at John Hopkins that gave us a few more months with her. Dr. Webster and his team treat patients and research innovative therapies for acute leukemias; they were humble enough to recognize when treatment wasn't working and referred us to University of Maryland Baltimore. This gift will support patient care and cancer research. University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
Dr. Emadi is a brilliant hematologist/medical oncologist and an organic chemist whose innovative work in acute myeloid leukemia extended Eli's life for almost 9 more months. Dr. Emadi is caring, compassionate, and a true humanitarian. This gift will support patient care and cancer research. The Cancer Mission Fund at Sentara Medical Center
Eli worked at Sentara her entire nursing career. This effort assists patients who cannot afford cancer care; and provides support, education, and prevention support. Massey Cancer Center
Chrystal works here - An organization that provides community-focused, innovative cancer care and research in the Richmond, VA area. This gift will support patient care and cancer research.
Rest in peace, dear Elida. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.