Elisaida Villa Lugo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elisaida "Saida" Lugo, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully at the age of 90. Saida was born in Silver City, New Mexico, one of eight children, and grew up surrounded by the love of her family. As a young girl, she loved to attend school dances and spent her time working at the Piggly Wiggly, developing a strong sense of hard work and community.

In her early years, Saida gave birth to her daughter Sonia in New Mexico before moving to California for a few years where she had two more children, her daughter Sandy and son Rocky. Shortly after, she settled in Phoenix, Arizona with her sister Ernestina. Saida was always resourceful and had an entrepreneurial spirit, finding joy in selling Tupperware, Avon, catalog jewelry, Mexican combo dinners to-go, men’s dress shoes, and even plastic jelly sandals. No matter what she was selling, Saida was known as a dedicated and skilled saleswoman who had a way of connecting with people.

Saida’s main career was as a teacher's aide at Sullivan School and later for the Wilson District, where she devoted many years of service before retiring at 60 to care for her granddaughter, Mariah. Her love for children and education was evident in her work, and she continued to inspire and nurture those around her throughout her life.

A devout member of St. Mark’s Parish, Saida was an active participant in her church community, where she sang in the choir, cleaned and ironed linens for the church, and helped set up the annual festivals. She was a woman of great faith, and her generosity and willingness to serve others were at the heart of all she did.

Saida’s love for life was unmatched. She adored a good party, especially those with mariachi bands, and cherished the moments spent with her friends and family. Whether it was a small gathering or a grand celebration, Saida always found joy in bringing people together, and her infectious laughter and warmth will be deeply missed.

Saida is survived by her children, Sonia, Sandy, and Rocky, her grandchildren Jesse, Mariah, Lex and Jessika, her sister Evangelina, brother Louis and numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Adela and siblings- Beto, Cano, Kiki, Licha and Ernie.

A celebration of Saida’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Parish, where friends and family are invited to gather to honor her memory and celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

May her soul rest in peace, and may the love and joy she shared with us continue to inspire us all.

A 10 AM Mass will be celebrated at St. Mark’s Catholic Church at 400 N 30th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008, on Saturday, April 5th. Burial to follow at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. Reception will be held at the VFW Post Hall, 4853 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85008.