Elisa Gaytan

Elisa Gaytan, 89, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024, at McAllen Medical Center.

Elisa Q. Gaytan was born on January 26, 1935 in Van Horn, Texas. As a young girl she became involved in the church by the influence of her paternal grandmother. Being the apple of her grandmother's eye at a young age, she was always encouraged to attend church with her. At the age of 15 she was teaching Sunday school and playing the piano for events and services. Her talents at such a young age did not go unnoticed by a recruiter that knew she was a great candidate to enroll as a student at Lydia Patterson Institute, a private high school funded and managed by the United Methodist Church in El Paso, Texas. She received a scholarship and enrolled. Upon completion of her education there, she married her high school sweetheart, Reverend Francisco Gaytan. They started a family and had four children, Cindy, Sylvia, Frank, and Carmen. Her love of teaching Sunday school led her to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. In 1975, the family relocated to the Rio Grande Valley due to Rev. Gaytan being appointed to a church in Mission, Texas. She then completed her Masters Degree in Education from Pan American University, and also completed a Masters Degree in Christian education from Southern Methodist University. Her education was a blessing in many ways evidenced by her work in the church and as an outstanding educator. She was beloved by her students and fellow colleagues. She was passionate about her students excelling and was an excellent mentor to upcoming new teachers. This passion led her to serve as an elementary teacher for 38 years before retiring from McAllen School District. Missing the classroom, she then continued to work an additional 10 years after retirement for Edinburg School District. She was true to her calling by using her God given talents as a dedicated educator. She was just as passionate for her work in the church. Throughout her life she was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and was actively involved with the United Methodist Women. She held various leadership roles at the local, district, and conference levels. Other positions held in the church included Choir Director, Worship Director, and Christian Education Director. Also, singing in the choir was something that brought joy to her heart, as she was a talented soprano. Christian music always soothed her soul and brought her peace.

Elisa was enthusiastic about watching the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs play no matter what the record showed. She enjoyed gathering on game days with family and friends. Cooking and baking were some of her favorite hobbies. Elisa shared love and fellowship with family and friends through the preparation of delicious meals. Everyone was always invited. She was always loving and caring and focused on the needs of others before her own. Her unselfish character towards people was a true reflection of her practicing faith and her love for God.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Francisco Gaytan; parents, Dionicio Quintana and Celedonia Garcia; three siblings, Juan Quintana, Celia Guerrero, and Francisco Quintana.

Mrs. Gaytan is survived by four children, Cynthia (Darrell) Ehler, Sylvia Elisa Gaytan, Francisco Javier (Zita Minette) Gaytan, Carmen Alicia (Eloy) Rodriguez; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lucinda Quintana.The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Elisa's devoted caregivers for their unwavering love and kindness over the years: Pati Ibarra, Erika Pozos, and Veronica Ramirez. Lastly the family would also like to thank the staff at McAllen Medical Center for their outstanding care and support.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. with a 6 p.m. prayer service Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at El Buen Pastor United Methodist Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission.

Funeral services are under direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.