Elsie Serra, age 96, of Miles City

Elsie Garcia Serra died September 4th, 2025 at the beautiful age of 96. She was cared for by her daughter and surrounded by loved ones when the Lord called her home.
She was born August 28, 1929 in Tampa, Florida. Her parents, Ernesto and Angela were immigrants from Cuba. She was the oldest, sharing her childhood with sister Elvia (Gardy). Her father worked, as many Cuban immigrants, in a cigar factory. Her mother briefly worked in the factory also but was primarily in charge of rearing the children. In multigenerational home, Spanish was her first language.
It was at a social gathering put on by Centro Austuriano (one of the Spanish/Cuban mutual aid societies in Ybor City, for immigrant families) that she met what turned out to be the love of her life, and partner in years of adventure. She married Jamie David Serra on May 1st 1951 in Tampa, Florida at the age of 21. Of that union, 2 children were born, Janet (1953) and David (1954). She moved her family every few years as her husband worked for the FAA, even to Cuba and Puerto Rico for a stent. She was able to witness different cultures and exotic places in a time when the world was much larger than it is today. They retired home to Tampa and extended family.
The husband passed away unexpectedly when she was 64. She remained active in Tampa with family, volunteering at the Moffit Cancer Center and Public Library for many years. She enjoyed staying active, going to aerobics classes until nearly 80. She loved reading, keeping up with her high school classmates and Presbyterian church friends. She loved her children and grandchildren and rejoiced when they came to visit, making sure they understood where they came from, always with a trip to Ybor City among other fun places.
As she got older, she moved from her home by the river to a town house. The great grandchildren loved to visit her there, as it included a swimming pool and a neighborhood alligator that they were always on the lookout for. Time passed and she moved to an assisted living for a few years. She enjoyed many friendships at Concordia Retirement but eventually decided to move to Montana with her daughter after she was widowed. With that move she finally gave up driving. She had herself a Yaris that she would zip in and out of traffic with until she was 92, gladly taking her granddaughter on a trip down memory lane to ‘the old places.’
She came to Montana in the late winter of 2021. She didn’t take off her gloves and scarf until June! She enjoyed the heat of the summer, often spending the afternoon reading in the patio. Family dinners were cherished times. Her inspiration and heritage inspired continued Noche Buena traditional celebrations.

In the end, she was tired. She lived and loved a long and beautiful 96 years. She was ready for the Lord to call her home. Hospice provided vital support for her family to care for her at home, comfortably, surrounded by love, until she slipped away as peaceful as a whispered breath.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband (Jamie Serra), her mother and father (Angela and Ernesto Garcia) and sister (Elvia Garcia).
Elsie is survived by her daughter Janet Dinardi (Bill Turner), son David Serra, Grandchildren Angela Bundy-Kelm (Brandon Kelm), Scott Dinardi (Denyse) and Brian Serra (Megan). Her Great-grandchildren: Tyler Dinardi, Nate Bundy, Andy Bundy, Aly Dinardi, Nick Dinardi, Trevor Kelm, Tyler Serra, Tanner Serra and Tayton Serra.
No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Special thanks to the people that made caring for Elsie at home possible : Tomasa, HRH Hospice team, caregivers at Billings Clinic Miles City and all the community that provided support to her family. We are grateful.

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