Simona B. Elkin

October 8, 1940 - August 26, 2021 Simona ("Mona") B. Elkin, age 80, died peacefully in her sleep ending her long battle with dementia on Thursday, August 26, 2021, in Los Angeles. Born in San Antonio, Texas, to Maria Antonia Esparza and Roman Cosme, she was a descendant of Gregoria Esparza, a hero of the Alamo. She moved to LA after high school and later worked at Northrop Corporation, where she met the love of her life, Marvin Elkin, who she married in 1969. Together they pursued their dreams, traveled the world, opened their home to family and friends, and joined forces to support philanthropic causes. Her work eventually led to a career with the Motion Picture Association of America, where she rated films for nine years. She had a deep concern for young girls and was a board member of the Santa Monica YWCA for twenty years, serving in several posts including president of the board of directors. She co-founded Women Helping the Y and was recipient of the YWCA's Woman of the Year Award, and the Community Service Award from the California Heritage Museum. She was also an avid collector of southwestern art and a self-taught painter who served as a trustee and co-founder of the Friends of the Autry Museum of the American West. Besides her parents, Mona was predeceased by her siblings Mary Ann Garza, Raymond Cosme, Rosie Burchardt, and Florence Amigleo. She is survived by her spouse of 52 years, Marvin Elkin, their son Tony Elkin, two grandchildren Jonathan and Lauren Elkin, sister Tommie Ramon, brother Roy Cosme, and many more family members. Memorial services and funeral will be held at Mt. Sinai Memorial Cemetery, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068 on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.