Elissa Lillian Felix

Elissa Lillian Felix was called home to heaven on April 8, 2020. She was born on June 16, 1938 in Bronx, NY, as the only child to Donald Carazo (from Madrid, Spain) and Anita Cantor (from Bogata, Columbia). She attended public school in New York City and, at age 12, the family moved to Quebec, Canada where she was educated at St. Johns Girls Academy. The family moved to Santa Monica, CA where she attended her senior year of high school, graduating in 1956 from St. Monica High School. She went on to earn her registered nursing degree from St. Vincent's College of Nursing in Los Angeles, CA in 1959.

In 1959 Elissa met the love of her life, Ralph Felix, an engineering student at Loyola Marymount University. They met at a formal college dance held at the Biltmore Hotel in Hollywood, sponsored by the Catholic Nursing Association. They were married 7 months later on November 21, 1959, and celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

In 1960 they moved to Lackland AFB where Ralph was attending the Air Force Officer Training School. Following Ralph's assignment to the Air Force Research Laboratory, they moved to Edwards Air Force Base, CA where Elissa gave birth to Deborah and Gabriel. Their third child Victoria was born after their move to Lancaster, CA in 1963. They lived in Lancaster for 44 years before moving to Roseville, CA in 2007.

While raising a family, Elissa worked for 34 years at several hospitals in the area. She was a caregiver at heart. Elissa had a passion for singing and shared her beautiful soprano voice in the choir at Sacred Heart Church in Lancaster, as well as St. Clare's Catholic Church and Sun City Singers in Roseville, CA. She enjoyed reading and politics. Elissa lived with a strong faith in God, believing that in His will, anything was possible. She was a true prayer warrior, adding names to her prayer list daily. She had a love for animals and so appreciated the beauty found in nature, her favorite vacation spots being Yosemite and Carmel. She also liked to visit Europe, particularly her family in Spain, as she loved her cousin Charito Calvo. She enjoyed visiting Ralph's family in Mexico, especially the village of Capirato.

Elissa was happiest when surrounded by her family and was a solid source of strength and encouragement for all. Her beautiful soul will be with us always.

She is survived by her husband, three children and five grandchildren; Matthew, Chelsea and Megan Powers from Mission Viejo, CA, and Bryce and Sidney Johnson from Roseville, CA. A Tribute can be viewed on the Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel website (click on Tributes). Search for Elissa Felix where one can see photos, a beautiful Tribute Video, and leave a message in Elissa's Guest Book.