Elsa Maria Bates

Elsa Bates, 85, of Woodbridge left this world peacefully on March 11, 2020 after her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A devout Christian, Elsa did not fear death as she knew she would be welcomed into heaven and everlasting peace. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ivan; and two sons, Frank and Richard. Elsa is survived by her brother, Georg (Mira); two daughters, Linda and Hildegard; granddaughters, Lauren (Brandon), and Lisa; and extended family. Elsa was incredibly proud to become an American citizen, while continuing to embrace her German heritage – especially with Christmas traditions. Elsa’s life was dedicated to others. She loved caring for her children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. No one set foot in her house without being offered a meal. A woman with an insatiable sweet tooth, Elsa believed “a meal is not complete without an itty bitty sweet.”