Elba C. Sepulveda

Elba was born and raised in the picturesque mountain town of Cayey, Puerto Rico. She graduated from high school in Cayey, where she lived with her parents, Francisco Serra and Esperanza Zayas, and her older sister, Lillian and younger brother, Paco.

During one of the town’s patron saint celebrations, she volunteered to partake in the festival fund raising effort as a hand reader/predictor. One of her clients was a young, dashing US Army soldier from the local Henry Barracks Army post, named Ray. At the completion of the session, the soldier stated she had misread his hand, because he knew they were destined to get married -- a marriage that lasted 67 years ending upon her husband’s death. Ray always endearingly referred to her as “mi gitana”- my gypsy lady.

Thus began a life of an Army wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great - great grandmother.

She left Puerto Rico at a very young age with four children in tow - aged 4 through 7 years to embark on a long voyage (in an era where writing letters was the mode of communication with loved ones) which included 4 years in France and travels to Spain, Morocco, Belgium and Holland. Military assignments followed to Washington state, Texas, and Puerto Rico.

Upon her husband’s retirement from the Army, the family moved back to Puerto Rico. Elba was determined to have her children attend college. In order to help finance her children’s educations, she became a successful business woman. Her creative mind, energetic character, and progressive spirit were instrumental in her establishing a successful flower shop and produced beautiful flower arrangements for birthdays, weddings, funerals and all manner of festive occasions for over 20 yrs.

Retirement brought Elba and Ray to San Antonio, where they met many new endearing friends and reestablished old ones. Their home was a revolving door of visiting siblings, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and old Army’s friends. Elba was always quick to fire up the kitchen and prepare delicious welcoming meals for all.

Elba’s family responsibilities kept her from education beyond high school. Her love of languages and a quest for higher learning led her to enroll in college and successfully complete a bachelor’s degree from UTSA at age 68. She became proficient in five different languages. More than the degree itself, she enjoyed being a friend, confidant and grandmother to so many of her young classmates, who loved her dearly.

Elba touched so many lives in so many ways and will be sorely missed!

Elba was preceded in death by her husband, Ray. She is survived by her 4 children, Dr Raymond Sepulveda, Mrs. Esbelle Ramirez, LTC (Ret) Luis Sepulveda, Dr Rene Sepulveda and their spouses. She is mourned by her adoring grandchildren, great, and great - great grandchildren.

She will be interred next to her husband at the FT Sam Houston National cemetery. Elba was truly one of a kind!

May her soul rest in peace.