San Pedro High School Class of Winter 1964 : May 2015

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Esperanza Madrid passed away

Esperanza Madrid Elliott
April 17, 1946 – May 3, 2015
After a long, courageous struggle with glioblastoma, Esperanza Madrid Elliott, our beloved wife, sister, friend and aunt passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015. Born and raised in San Pedro, California, Esper was a strong, energetic and loving person and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. An avid gardener, fantastic cook and "foodie," Esper was a beautiful woman inside and out. With a wonderful sense of style, she loved interior design and created beautiful surroundings in which she enjoyed entertaining friends and family.

The sixth of seven children born to Matilde and Eva Maria Madrid, Esper attended Barton Hill Elementary, Dana Junior High, and San Pedro High Schools. Working for many years at Ports O'Call Restaurant in San Pedro, Esper married the love of her life, Darl Elliott on June 1, 1979.

She lived for her family; always putting their needs ahead of hers. A life-long role model and mentor, she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. A true animal lover, she always believed you could judge others by how well they treated their pets. By this measure she was exceptional, as all her families dogs can attest!

With genuine care and sympathy for others, no one she met remained a stranger. Everyone she came in contact with – neighbors, waiters, retail clerks, anyone – she quickly learned their names and life stories. Visitors to her home fondly recall the wonderful meals she cooked, which were an expression of her generous heart.

In her approach to life, she exemplified strength and vitality. She successfully supported her husband through a long and serious bout with heart disease; life's burdens, no matter how heavy, could never derail her positive attitude.

Esper is survived by her husband, Darl Elliott; sisters, Rita Stratton, Rosemary Madrid, and Armida Caseres; brothers, Ishmael (Esther), Jose, and Raul (Theresa) Madrid; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her very much. The family would like to express thanks to her caregivers, especially May Gonzales whose support is deeply appreciated. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailybreeze/obituary.aspx?pid=174872433#sthash.1VCMoJGp.dpuf