Elsa Smith was a pillar of her community, dedicating her life to uplifting others and creating opportunities for those around her. Sadly, Elsa passed away June 4th, 2026. Her wish was to have a huge blow out party to celebrate her life—no traditional funeral service with everyone crying while wearing black. Elsa wanted guests to wear bright colors, she wanted lots of flowers, music (specifically a Mariachi), dancers, delicious food, and for everyone to come together in joy and remembrance. We want to honor her wishes and give her the celebration she truly deserves.

The funds raised will help cover the costs of Elsa's cremation and celebration of life party. To do this, we need everyone's help and support to ease the financial burden of her arrangements. Your kindness will help us honor Elsa's memory and legacy, and ensure her vibrant spirit is celebrated in the way she wanted. Whether you are able to donate or simply share this fundraiser, your support means the world to our family.

Obituary

Elsa Eloisa Smith age 75, January 15, 1951 - June 4, 2026

Elsa Eloisa Smith of Chester VA died June 4th, 2026 of natural causes. Born Elsa Eloisa Eslava Del Carpio on January 15, 1951 in Chiclayo, Peru to Carlos Alberto Eslava Ubillus and Felipi Del Carpio Chavarry. She is survived by her sister Carmen Velasquez and family, her daughters Amanda Hengle and Alison Velazquez, six grandchildren Kalum Griffin, Kelby Hengle, Kameron Velazquez, Kinsley Hengle, Kasey Velazquez and Kami Hengle, Chris Tukas her partner of seventeen years, and by her friend and caregiver Charlie James. She was a Girl Scout until the age of eighteen, and received a Bachelors of Science from Lambeth College in Jackson, Tennessee. She married her ex husband Philip E Smith in 1974. After college, she worked for Maybelline, Cannon Inc, and Circuit City. She worked for Nottoway County registering migrant children, taught English as a second language, was a substitute teacher and tutored Spanish. She was a pillar of the Latino business community starting the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2000, helped with the annual Que Pasa Festival, and started several small businesses of her own. In 2015 she became a American citizen and in 2017 she donated some of her own artifacts to the Valentine Museum. She served on the board of the Metropolitan Business League, worked for the Richmond Convention Center, was an “I am Tourism” Ambassador for Richmond Region Tourism as well as worked in the Robinson House at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Stoney Point Presbyterian Church, located at 2330 Buford Road, Bon Air VA 23235.

Life Celebration reception from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm at Quiubo Parce Colombian Restaurant located at 11045 Hull Street Road Midlothian VA 23112.

For flower purchases, please visit TJ Arreglos, Florist located at 7106 Hull Street Rd, N Chesterfield VA 23235, or call 804- 276 -4230 or in lieu of flowers please make a donation to her GoFundMe.com/f/elsasmith Celebrating Elsa Smith’s Life & Legacy to raise $6,000

(*Locations, date and time are subject to change check gofundme page for updates)