Elsy Maria Bondio

Elsa Maria Rosales Bondio born May 20, 1918 in Managua, Nicaragua passed away peacefully May 8, 2020 shortly before her 102nd birthday at St. Anthony's Nursing home in Metairie. Her life was full of joy, sorrow, heartache, triumph, and love, guided always by her deep and unbreakable Catholic faith. Due to political unrest and wanting a safer better life for their children, her parents, Petronila Martinez Rosales and Leandro Rosales gathered the children Elsa, Uriel, Fernando, Gilda, and Norma for their adventure into a new life. There was sadness leaving behind friends and family, especially the three children who had already passed away, baby Lillian and older brothers Leandro and Noel.
Post WWII America was an exciting time. She made a career as a beautician working at the Roosevelt Hotel through the 1950's. As a young single woman she was able to save up and buy a home of her own. Along the line she became reacquainted with a young man from the old neighborhood, Vincent De Paul Bondio Jr. Romance in the air wedding bells rang in June 1959. But something was missing. In February 1966 baby Gertrude Elena, who they called Tula, completed the family.
In a life spanning 100+ years many amazing things can happen for the truly fortunate it's a life filled with love. Some called her Elsa, some called her Elsy, but to those who loved her she was Cita. Love overflowed in Cita's life.
Cita was preceded to heaven by her husband, Vincent De Paul Bondio Jr.; her parents, Nila & Leandro; her brother, Fernando; her nephews, Richard and Leandro, and their parents, Uriel and Irma Sang Rosales; her sister in law, Yvonne Bondio Chatelain and Yvonne's husband, Harry. Left behind to marvel at her life and miss her: her daughter, Tula Bondio Gunckel (James); sister, Gilda R. Maestri (Raymond, deceased); sister, Norma R. Borrell (Jose' Luis, M.D.); cousin, Imelda Garcia Raborn; goddaughter, Maria D. Maestri Gerry (Joe, M.D.); goddaughter, Elsa Ninoska Carrington (Monte); nieces and nephews: Uriel Martinez Rosales, Thelma R. Lafont, Marylin R. Arcia, Guizell Rosales, Norma Rosales Cheramie (Alan), Tanya Borrell, Raymond Maestri (Becky), Noel Maestri (Gayle), Edward Maestri (Desiree), Charles Maestri, Norma Maestri Fitzmorris (Russell), Desiree Maestri Coyne (Frank), Gary Maestri (Lori), Judith Chatelain, Corrine Caruso (Tony), and Janet Burkardt (Joseph); and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews as well as many dear family friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude to St. Anthony's Nursing Home and to Chateau de Notre Dame Hospice for making her final hours safe and peaceful.
Private interment was held at Garden of Memories Funeral Home & Cemetery and will be followed in the future with a memorial mass and celebration of her exceptional life. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Cita's name to the charity of your choice.

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