Elsa Pacheco

Elsa Vazquez Pacheco devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on December 10, 2024, in Tampa, FL.

She was born in Cuba in 1940 to Oscar and Ana Vazquez Paz, along with her three sisters, Ramona, Adahela, and Mirian. She attended school throughout her childhood and studied at university in Cuba. Elsa had a thirst and love for knowledge, that she would later quench in her life as a librarian.

In 1955, Elsa met the love of her life, Armando Pacheco. They married in 1960 and were blessed with two beautiful sons, Armando and Felipe Pacheco. Just a few years later, Elsa left her life, family, and everything she knew behind, to give her sons a life of freedom and prosper. She left Cuba and arrived in the United States in 1963.

Elsa was passionate about seeking knowledge. She taught herself English by reading many books, such as Moulin Rouge, and Les Miserables, which she enjoyed reading in Spanish, French, and English. In 1968, Elsa and her family moved from chilly Chicago, IL. to sunny Tampa, FL. where they would establish roots, flourish, and prosper for generations to come. Elsa worked as a librarian at Downtown Tampa's prestigious and newly built John F. Germany Library. In her free time, Elsa enjoyed dancing, craft projects like sewing and photography, caring for the many flowers and trees in her backyard, and entertaining her grandchildren with endless activities.

Elsa will always be remembered for her love and dedication to her family, her zest for life, and her bright, beautiful spirit. We’ll hold her dear in our hearts and always remember her ear-to-ear smile and boisterous laughter. Elsa will be missed every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.

Elsa Vazquez Pacheco was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ana Vazquez Paz, her loving husband, Armando Pacheco, her two sons, Armando (Claudia) and Felipe (former wife, Kimberly) Pacheco, her 12 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

A wake will be held Wednesday, December 18th at 10:00 AM, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, immediately followed by a burial service in the same location.