Obituary of Elodie Ann Alipaz

With broken hearts we announce that Elodie Ann Alipaz, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away on December 17th. Elodie was born on February 4th, 1948 in Salinas, California to James and Dorothy Watson. Elodie spent her childhood on the Watson Ranch with her three brothers. She attended St. Mary’s Nativity and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Salinas. That is where she met the love of her life, Keith Alipaz. In 1967 they were married and she spent the rest of her life in Hollister, CA building a loving family. Elodie attended beauty school and soon after decided her passion was in floral design. While raising three children Elodie worked for Hollister Floral and after a few years she took over the business. Elodie found a friend and fellow florist in Annie Goularte, of Goularte Flowers, and they soon merged their downtown shops. That is how they began their business of Hollister Goularte Floral, in downtown Hollister. Elodie was a dedicated member of the Hollister Downtown Association, the Sacred Heart Mother's Club, the Hollister High Football Boosters, and Baler Band Boosters. Elodie and Keith were regular volunteers for Friday night bingo at Sacred Heart, even running it for a few years. She retired in her 50s to become a full time Grammy. She attended every school program, play, field show, dance recital, and sporting event for her family. She wanted every holiday and milestone to be celebrated and every birthday to be made special with a personalized cake. She was always ready to throw a party and lend a hand when she could. She loved to snuggle with Max, her favorite pup, and if you were ever looking for Elodie you could probably find her at lunch with the YaYas, at the movie theater, or browsing Michael’s in search of her next project. Her favorite big trips were to Disneyland with her family for Christmas. Large amounts of churros were purchased and lots of rides on It’s a Small World were enjoyed. She also loved her road trips with Keith. Most notably their trips to Cambria but their most recent adventure was to Oregon to see the eclipse. She fought hard in the last few years to focus on her health. A large source of joy came from her crafting, especially for others, at Ol’ Patty’s craft room. Elodie’s spunk and tenacity for life was what made her so unforgettable. Elodie was preceded in death by her father, James and her mother, Dorthy as well as her older brothers Jamie and Edward. She is survived by the most loving and devoted husband of 55 years Keith Alipaz; her children Richard Alipaz (Brian Rozema), Brian Alipaz (Jill Alipaz), and Tricia Gillio (Jim Gillio); her grandchildren Maddison, Dylan, and Ali; her brother Tom Watson(Arlene Watson); and bonus son Mark Alipaz (Terri Alipaz) and their children Amanda and Marcus. Celebration of Life will be held January 21 from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Hollister Veterans' Memorial Building 649 San Benito Street. To honor Elodie and her love of all things sparkly we ask you to wear something with a shimmer, a glimmer, or a sparkle. If you would like to make a donation in memory of Elodie the family asks that contributions be made to: Sacred Heart Parish School's Tuition Assistance fund 670 College St. Hollister, CA 95023 When Tomorrow Starts Without Me When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not here to see If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me I wish you wouldn’t cry The way you did today While thinking of the many things We did not get to say I know how much you love me As much as I love you Each time that you think of me I know you will miss me too When tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand The angel said my place was ready In heaven far above And that I would have to leave behind All those I dearly love So when tomorrow starts without me Do not think we’re apart For every time you think of me Remember I’m right here in your heart Author: David M Romano