Elsie DeLonch, age 81 of Clearwater, FL, passed away on March 16, 2023. She was born in South Africa and came to Clearwater in 1994. She began attending Countryside Baptist Church, joining the choir. It was here that God’s plan began to unfold. Elsie sang in the soprano section, which sat right in front of the bass section. Little did she know at that time that her future husband was part of that bass section. It was two years later before the plan took off! Elsie was having some technology problems and a friend suggested she talk to Bob DeLonch. That brief inquiry turned into a 3-hour conversation in the parking lot of the church, talking about everything under the sun. She walked away from that evening thinking only about gaining a new friend. A week or so later, Elsie invited Bob over for lunch after church. Another 3-hour conversation ensued, and Elsie felt she had found that friend she could do some fun, social activities with! She, and Bob, were unaware the “plan” had been set in motion. The relationship began to grow and develop and within a short time, it was clear to them both that this was going to more than just a friendship! It was not long after that Bob proposed, and she accepted. The two were married in 1997 and their beautiful romance blossomed. The Bible says that, in marriage, the two become one. This was clearly evident in Elsie and Bob. Their love for each other is a model for what God intends for marriage. Elsie often told him that he was the “love of her life”! She clearly earned that title for him as well.
Elsie was a woman of great faith and her love for the Lord was on display for all to see. Her impact was felt in the workplace and in her friendships. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of everyone she met. She cared for others, put them ahead of herself, and simply made people smile. Elsie was a woman who was loved by all and loved everyone in return.
Elsie and Bob’s legacy lives on in the lives of their blended family- Elsie’s 3 children-Pierre, Petro, and Jacques and Bob’s daughter Linda, along with a combined 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Countryside Baptist Church 2525 McMullen Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL. on Thursday, March 30th at 12:00 noon with a greeting time from 11:00 to 12:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association.
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