Elia Guadalupe Saiz, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico on January 12, 1935, to Concepción Jiménez and Gustavo Vargas, Elia was one of ten children. Raised modestly, she learned early on the values of hard work, perseverance, and deep gratitude for life's simple blessings. After graduating from high school in 1953, she began her career working in the corporate offices of a local theater chain in Chihuahua.

It was in Chihuahua that she met her husband, Joe Encarnación Saiz, while he was on leave from the United States Air Force. The two were married in 1956, after which Elia immigrated to the United States to begin a vibrant new chapter. As a military family, Elia and Joe called many places home—from Roswell, New Mexico, to Lajes Field on Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal, followed by Battle Creek, Michigan, and Lompoc, California, before finally settling down in Houston, Texas.

A woman of devout faith, Elia was an active and dedicated parishioner at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. Over the years, she served with joy as a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, member of the Guadalupanas Association, and H.U.G.S., and was a passionate participant in Eucharistic Adoration. She also frequently attended St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, St. Luke's mother parish.

Once her children grew older, Elia channeled her energy into professional life, working for many years as a sales associate at Foley's Department Store and later serving her community as a real estate agent. Beyond her work, Elia was a multi-talented creative who loved knitting, crocheting, painting, gardening, and baking and decorating beautiful cakes for her family.

Elia was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Diana; her parents; and her siblings Gustavo, Daniel, Irma, Alicia, and Amparo.

She is survived and cherished by her sons: David Saiz and wife Maria, Robert Saiz, and Larry Saiz and wife Lupe. Her legacy continues through her adored grandchildren, Clint Saiz, Katie Saiz, Lorissa Saiz, Daniel Saiz, and Kristina Hooper and husband Michael, as well as her great-granddaughter, Marley.

Funeral Service Vigil will be held at Peevey Funeral, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston Friday evening July 31, 2026 from 6pm – 8pm. The Rosary will be held on Saturday morning August 1st at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church on 11011 Hall Rd at 10:30am and the Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11am. The interment will be privately held for family.

The family kindly asks that those attending any of the funeral services honor Elia's wishes by not wearing black. She did not view her passing as a somber occasion, but rather as a joyful celebration of her homecoming. Guests are encouraged to wear colors that reflect her vibrant spirit.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Elia's name to Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston https://catholiccharities.org/ or St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church Capital Campaign at St. Luke The Evangelist Catholic Church Capital Campaign .