Ophelia F. Elias

Ophelia Elias Obituary

Ophelia F. Elias After 83 years of loving without reservation, tenaciously meeting life's challenges, and opening her heart and home to others, Ophelia F. Elias died on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The mother of five, grandmother of 11, great- grandmother of two, and wife of 64 years to Henry Elias has kissed her loved ones goodbye for the very last time. She was born in Miami, Arizona and moved to Tucson at the age of 17 where she enjoyed the remainder of her life. Ophie, as she is known to friends and family, was a fabulous cook, seamstress and gardener. She created a welcoming home which sheltered extra nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, grandchildren and even a foreign exchange student or two. Many family events were celebrated around her beautifully set table or in the backyard garden. Ophie's children remember her as a woman with passionate beliefs about religion, politics, education and morals, who approached life with strength, focus, passion and determination. Her love was simultaneously tender and ferocious. Her firm hand and life example helped shape the lives of her children and all those fortunate enough to stay under her roof. She could mend broken hearts with empathy, a favorite meal and a shopping spree. She planned family vacations with great detail, creating lifelong memories. Ophie is survived by her husband, Henry. Together they built a business, touching the lives of many clients. Their long marriage is an inspiration to her four married children and their families: Catherine (William) Sanderson of Virginia, Michaelene (Steuart) Barlow of Phoenix, William (Marlene) Elias of Tucson, and Tammy (Steven) Cerqua of Mesa. In her death, Ophie will join her second daughter, Stephanie Elias, who passed before her in 1976. Ophie supported many charitable organizations throughout her life. During her last years, she worked with the Tucson Arthritic Support League to raise money for college scholarships for disabled students. In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to the Tucson Arthritis Support League (TASL), P.O. Box 31164, Tucson AZ 85721, or Casa de los Niños, 1101 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705. A graveside service will be held at Holy Hope Cemetery, Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of her life at her home in Tucson. Please contact the family for further details [email protected].

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Published by The Press-Enterprise on Oct. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Ophelia Elias

8 Entries

Paulette Motzko

February 19, 2013

I miss you very bad now because I found out about your passing only less than an hour ago. I will always remember the wonderful things you said to me throughout my life about how inspiring my words were to you and how uplifting I was to you. This candle is a symbol of the light that will always burn inside me and the love that will never grow dim for you.
God bless you Aunt Ophie.
I know you make the angels around you smile. :-)

Paulette Le Pore Motzko

Paulette Motzko

February 19, 2013

This is with tears in my eyes that I write this to you Aunt Ophie. I am so sorry to hear of your passing. You were such a wonderful God Mother to me and I remember our talks on the phone and how you loved the letters I wrote you.
I am planning on moving to Tucson very soon and was looking up your address and found this instead.
I have never been so shocked and saddened by this news.
I will always fondly remember the special times I had with you, your wonderful Chicken Tortilla Soup, that I wanted to share on my cooking site, and you looked great eve in your late years.
You had such a zest for living and there will always be a place in my heart for you. I wish I had made a trip to Tucson years ago to have seen you.
I hope that Henry and the family are doing fine.
Dad passed away in September as well, but he had suffered for many years.
Mom now lives with my sister and we are selling the home as soon as I move out.
You always said I should be a writer-I am and people read my words all over the world now. I wish I could have shared more great times with you. I will cherish the time we had together now.
I found a nice apartment in Tucson and I am hoping to make a new life and see and talk with Henry and Uncle Lewis soon.
I hope they are doing fine.
God bless the Elias family.

Paulette Le Pore Motzko
TotallyInspiredPC.wordpress.com
CookingUpaStorminCA.ning.com

November 9, 2012

I extend love and sympathy to Henry and all the Elias family. Many years ago, my husband, Ed, and I met Henry and Ophie through the Christian Family Movement in our parish. As a young family, we gained so much from knowing the Elias's and other couples. In many ways, you were our role models as parents and friends. I regret that we were not in touch in recent years. Please accept our best wishes for peace and healing in your loss of this unique and special woman.
Sincerely, Carolyn Lucz and family.

Diana Boros

November 1, 2012

Ophie was a wonderful aunt. I enjoyed sharing the Word with her and praying for all those we loved. My sorrow is temporary because I know we will see each other again. My love to all her children and uncle Hank

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Diana Boros

November 1, 2012

Ophie was a wonderful aunt. I enjoyed sharing the Word with her and I will be forever blessed by our friendship and the love she gave freely.

Diana Sunderman Justice

October 28, 2012

Ophie was a faithful walking companion of my grandmother. I have no doubt that the two of them attempted to solve many of the world's problems through their conversations while walking through the neighborhood. Your mom was a dear neighbor and friend.

Joan Daniels

October 28, 2012

Ophie was a wonderful mentor when, as a young new mom, I first came to Tucson. She and Hank were sources of caring,information and strength. With their help, I finished my degree,found a home to buy, a godparent for my brand new baby, and the comfort of family and friends when I was so far from home. Such are the treasured memories I have of Ophie. She was an inspiration and she will be so missed by my family.

Lynn Buttefield

October 28, 2012

I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of you. Ophie was such a joy to not only have as a clien, but also a friend. She lifted my spirits on a weekly basis...I loved when she came to the salon. I enjoyed our many conversations and her motherly love was always exuded. I know you all will always hold the meany wonderful memories of a mother and wife. My heart and prayers to all of you.

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