Mrs. Elsa Molina

Mrs. Elsa Molina, age 78, a longtime Utican, currently of Rochester, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Strong Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico on August 28, 1939, Elsa was the daughter of the late Juan and Juana (Mercado) Molina. She was raised and educated in Puerto Rico. On July 7, 1970 she married her best friend, Santos I. Irizarry Molina and shared with him 26 years in a marriage like no other. They were inseparable, loving and caring for each other until the end. Elsa and Santos came to the United States to be with family and to share a vision. She was supportive in all his business ventures operating several grocery stores in East Utica that catered to Hispanic cuisines and specialties. She was generous and compassionate with those she held in her heart and she was always graceful in providing for other’s needs. Along with Santos, Elsa welcomed the Hispanic community into their hearts and home and they were looked upon by many as very gracious people. Santos passed away on October 1, 1996. Elsa was a blessed woman who knew the Lord, and her entire family adored her because of the love she bestowed on each one of them. Without even realizing her role, she became matriarch of the Irizarry and Molina families. She was vibrant, vivacious, and unstoppable, especially when it came to music, dancing, and get-togethers. She had a spirited sense of humor and made sure that everyone laughed and forgot their troubles when they were in her company. She enjoyed dominoes, a game she played from her youth, and socializing with others in her Latin culture who also had a love for the game. Elsa’s life was filled with celebration and conversation, and she loved people being in her home. She cooked enough to feed an army. As she aged, she moved to Rochester to be closer to her son and her sister Iris and her family who tenderly cared for her. Even during her final journey, those around her friends admired her courage and zest for life. She felt blessed with a happy marriage and two loving sons who respected her. She was also proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a reminder of her role as a loving “grand” mother and allowed her to recall all the beautiful memories that were made when her children were young. When she resided in Utica Elsa was a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church and attended the Spanish Mass on Saturdays. She prayed for her loved ones and wanted everyone to know the Lord and know his goodness. Elsa fulfilled all her roles in life with unconditional love and everyone will carry a piece of her wisdom and heritage through the years. She was so lively, and although her passing brings sadness, it gives everyone a bit of peace to know she accomplished God’s will and is now with her soul mate, Santos. Her legacy of love will be seen in those who remain behind when they smile softly and remember her… forever. Elsa is survived by her sons and their loves, Amanadab “Mina” and Amanda Irizarry, and Daniel Molina and fiancée Summer; her grandchildren, Amanadab “Chano” Irizarry Jr., Christina Irizarry, Christopher and Denise Irizarry, Santos Irizarry; Santos Molina, Daniel Molina, Juanita Molina, and Jayden Molina; great-grandchildren, Alexandra; Elianna, and Mia; sisters and their husbands, Dolores Molina-Ruiz and Robert, and Iris Molina-Diaz and Rafaele; and her brothers and their wives, Vidal Molina, Juan and Migdalia Molina, and Miguel and Anna Iris Molina. She also leave her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Felicita Molina, Nicholas Irizarry, Pablo and AnnaRosa Irizarry, Emilio and Gladys Irizarry, Felipe and Judith Irizarry, Nativadad Irizarry, Juan Irizarry, Enrique and Gloria Irizarry, and Marialisa Irizarry; and a host of wonderful friends who often remembered her with love. She was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Abraham and Iris Molina, Jose and Eleanor Molina, Anna Zayas, Esperanza Molina, and Indalecio Molina; and her in-laws, Irene Garcia, Jane Irizarry, and Barbara Irizarry. The family is grateful for the support and outpouring of love from family and friends in remembering an awesome woman. Visitation will be held Saturday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Elsa’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Luis Olguin officiating the service. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Elsa Molina

August 28, 1939 - September 16, 2017