Elsie Correia Obituary

Elsie Mildred Correia, 96, of Easton/Kingsburg, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, surrounded by her family and their love.

Here is just a little bit that can be said about a woman who endured for nearly a century. Born during the Great Depression, Elsie faced more than her share of hardships early in life, including the loss of her mother at a young age and a series of physical injuries during her teens and early adulthood. Yet through it all, she lived a life of selfless devotion nurturing, giving, and serving others with grace, strength, and humor.

As a young woman, Elsie worked as a nurse's aide during World War II, offering care and comfort in a time of great need. Later, she worked as a motel maid never shying away from hard work and always finding ways to serve others, whether they were family, friends, or strangers. One memory that stands out is her generosity to a local hobo who would stop by the family home. With her husband Arnold's blessing, she'd give him work around the yard or with the animals, and always made sure he had a hot meal and sandwiches to take on the road. Even when the family had little, Elsie gave much.

Raising six children as a farmhand's wife while also caring for her elderly father, who suffered from dementia, was no easy task. Yet the home was always clean, the kids well-fed and cared for, and the atmosphere full of love and laughter. Her sense of humor, especially in her playful and legendary interactions with her only brother, remained strong throughout her life. She found joy in the simple things; puzzles, gardening, flowers, music, and dancing. Watching her and Arnold on the dance floor was nothing short of magical.

After Arnold's passing, Elsie remained active and independent well into her 90s, living alternately with family and on her own. She continued to cook and bake for her children, grandchildren, and neighbors, always thinking of others. Her door and her heart were always open.

Elsie was a proud Catholic and drew strength from her faith every day of her life. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, quiet strength, humility, and joyful service. She leaves behind a shining example of what it means to live a good and generous life.

She was the beloved wife of the late Arnold Correia, and the loving mother of daughter Sandra Martin, son Larry Correia, daughter Debbie and Rick Sheward, daughter Vicki and Curt Cryer, sons Randy Correia, and Brandon Correia. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren Jeanine Poling, Kelly Messenlehner, Adrienne Messenlehner, Patina Malicoat, Rick Sheward, Anthony Borges, Nick Correia, Shyanne Correia, Savanna Correia. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to twelve great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Elsie was deeply loved by all who knew her and will be missed beyond measure. Her love, laughter, and lessons will live on in all of us.

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