Elsie Elaine Story Arias, 85, of Wilmington, CA, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2012. Generations of her family were at her side as she drifted away to fly with angels.
She was born March 10, 1926, to Leslie Kingsley Story and Ruth Darling Webster in Montpelier, Vermont. Shortly after high school, she moved to Connecticut and worked as a “Rosie” in a wartime factory – Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft.
In 1946, she married and started a family the following year, living in Pine Rock Park, Connecticut. In 1955, she relocated to southern California finally settling in the South Bay area. She managed the St. Vincent de Paul Society store in Carson for many years, and then later worked in the wholesale store of Ferguson Marine.
Elsie lived life to its fullest, being independent until the very last. She would walk a one-mile area around her neighborhood, visiting others and just enjoying being outside in the fresh air. Her spirit, determination and fortitude, even at 85, were unstoppable. Her passions were finding treasures at garage sales, sewing, crocheting, collecting antique glassware, crafting jewelry and, of course, enjoying time with all of her extended family members.
She is survived by her brother Wilmer Story Rodgers, sister Ruth Carbone, children Robert and Michael Mirabal and Bonnie Mota; in addition, grandchildren Christopher Mirabal, Amber Seib, Cynthia Fernandez, Vincent Cianflocco, Lynette and Casie Mota, Adriane Mota Bechtol; great-grandchildren Theresa Cianflocco, Michael and Rueben Perez, Gilbert, Gabriel and Daniel Fernandez; great-great-grandchildren Michael, Sammuel and Brandon Perez.
Her memorial service was held on Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 12:30 p.m. at the VFW Post Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to the Society St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles or the City of Hope. These organizations are ones which were close to her heart. She will be missed dearly.
