It is with sadness and much love that we share news of the completion of the earthly life of Elisa Isabel Pinzon Policastri, 94, who passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024. Born in Pocri, Panama on July 2, 1929, Elisa's nickname was "Licha" and she was the daughter of Jose del Rosario and Indalecia Pinzon. Born into a loving and lively family, she had five sisters and one brother, and together they lived in faith, with much laughter and many adventures. Elisa met the true love of her life, Carmine Policastri, who with the US Army was stationed at the Panama Canal, near the Canal Zone where she was living with her sister and family. They married February 4,1955, in the Canal Zone and together began a life in
Brooklyn, New York, where Elisa embraced her new home. They settled in Verbank, New York where, as a stay-at-home wife and mother, she raised her children, James and Ellen. A caring, supportive mother and grandmother, she was always available to listen, comfort and be present. After nearly 50 years in her Verbank, New York home, she moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, to be near her daughter and family after Carmine passed away, then to Winston Salem alongside her daughter and son-in-law.
She was an attentive neighbor, especially to the elderly, and during those 50 years she developed warm friendships. During the early years, she baked pies for events coordinated by the auxiliary of the local Fire Department. Her family and friends enjoyed her Panamanian rice, apple turnovers, lemon meringue pies, stuffed Italian shells and meatballs! She loved flowers along with colorful clothing and décor; she also loved to read, especially the local newspaper, her Bible and anything faith-based. Elisa relied on her strong faith in the Lord and took comfort in her rosary at night.
In addition to her parents, Elisa was predeceased by her husband Carmine in 2006, her son James in 2008, and her siblings Evelia De Leon, Ana Gilda Chang, Benilda Rivera, Elias Pinzon, Modesta Kozlowski and Evangelina Hernandez.
Surviving are her loving daughter and best friend, Ellen and husband Richard Lobb, Winston Salem; daughter-in-law Marilyn Wright Policastri; grandchildren, Brianna Lobb, Raleigh, NC and Aaron Lobb, New York City; cousin, Nelva Hurtado James; brother-in-law Fred and Barbara Policastri; sisters-in-law Angela Adamo, Marlene Rice Policastri and Jeannie Estrada, and many, loving nieces and nephews throughout the US, Canada and Panama, who loved her and whom she adored. She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, laughter and strong hugs.
Elisa's family thanks Dr. Holly Hoey and those in her practice; the nurses and participants, especially #9, at Cardiac Rehab at the Sticht Center; and the doctors who attended her at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.
Family and faith were everything to Licha and she will be remembered and celebrated in prayer at a memorial service on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 300 North Cherry Street,
Winston Salem, NC 27101. Salem Funerals & Cremations, 120 South Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 is handling cremation and other arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: First Presbyterian Church, 300 North Cherry Street,
Winston Salem, NC 27101; Mission Emanuel, Suite 14 #149, 1855 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307; Major Andrew Wiley The Salvation Army of Greater-Winston-Salem, P. O. Box 1205,
Winston Salem, NC 27102; Emmaus Ministries, 345 East Ninth Street, Erie, PA 16503-1107; or Catholic Charities.