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 leanmikie@yahoo.com.