June 15, 1917 – Dec. 26, 2018

Beloved by all who knew her, she passed away gracefully at 101½ years old. In her lifetime she left a legacy of love, kindness and beautiful memories.

She was born in Carbondale, Pennsylvania to Caroline and Worrie Swingle. After graduation from Benjamin Franklin High School in Carbondale she joined her older sister at the University of Arizona, Tucson where she was an active member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. There she met the love of her life, Thomas Earl Hughes (Tommy), a captain in the Army Air Corps. After a short time, he proposed and she accepted. They were married in 1941, soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and moved to California. While he was overseas, she worked for Lockheed. On his return from serving in the 8th Army Air Corps with the 357th fighter group in Europe, they moved to La Crescenta where they raised their four children.   

Elsie worked as a math teacher, then for the Glendale Unified School District as a substitute teacher for years, then as a secretary-bookkeeper and volunteer for her many children’s activities including as a Den mother for the Cub Scouts. She was active in the La Crescenta Presbyterian Church (the Clippers Club), the Tuesday Afternoon Woman’s Club in Glendale, the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, the Southern California Camellia Society and the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association. She enjoyed her many friendships that flourished from these activities.

She loved traveling and playing bridge. For over 25 years, she played with a group of fellow-minded Alphi Phi bridge players until it was down to three members.

But above all she loved and adored her family. She was predeceased in 2007 by her husband. She is survived by her four children: Carolyn Casarella, Jeffrey Hughes, Charles (Harriett) Hughes, and Louise (Michael) Davies; her four grandchildren: Jennifer Casarella-Hanes(Tim) and Greg Casarella, Megan (Andrew) Luce, and William Davies; and four great grand children: Anne, Ben, and Katie Hanes (Hanes) and Harrison Luce.

A special thanks to her wonderful helper Martha Gallegos.

She was a woman of great faith who leaves a legacy to all who knew her. If she were to pass on her gift it would be for all to choose to be happy and live a positive life.

Contributions in her memory may be given to The La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214.

A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion Memorial Hall, 4011 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.