Elsie Ann Andrade

Elsie Ann Andrade, formerly Raab, was born on August 6, 1938, in McDonald, Pennsylvania, to Valerie (Klenner) and Harry H. Raab. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Elsie was raised in Pennsylvania before moving to Arizona at the age of eight. She attended Isaac Elementary School and graduated from West High School in Phoenix.

Elsie was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated her life to her family. She was the beloved wife of the late James Andrade. Elsie is survived by her three children: David (Mary) Andrade, Debbie Garza, and Deanna (Richard) Randall, as well as her sister Cheri (Joe) Thomas. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Nathan, Richard, Andrea, Jim, Becky, and Stephanie, and her four great-grandchildren: Jenae, Isaac, Lexi, and Logan.

Elsie had many passions and interests. She loved to travel and had the joy of visiting six countries. In addition to her family, two of Elsie’s greatest loves were the Phoenix Bonsai Society and the American Bonsai Society. She served as president for both organizations and was an active member of the Valley Garden Center, where she also served as both president and instructor for many years. Elsie was a founding board member of the Japanese Garden Center.

In her younger years, Elsie played tennis for 30 years and coached girls' softball and tennis through Phoenix Parks and Recreation. Professionally, she worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at Andrade Tile Inc. and served as superintendent for the Floriculture and Horticulture divisions at the State Fair for 30 years. Elsie was also a host for Phoenix Sister Cities, working with Himeji, Japan. She was a retired flower designer and the proud founder of Sonoran Suiseki of Arizona.

More recently, Elsie was a student in Theology courses at Saints Simon and Jude, where she was a longtime member. Her legacy of dedication to family, community, and her many passions will be cherished by all who knew her.

For those unable to attend in person on Wednesday evening, you are invited to join us virtually via zoom:

WM Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Visitation for Elsie Andrade

Time: Apr 2, 2025 05:00 PM Arizona

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4253218748?pwd=VkFidUo5N3RFbkNjZmJRTVQ0U0NsQT09&omn=88220246632

Meeting ID: 425 321 8748

Passcode: 615206