Elia Regalado Contreras' Obituary
Weslaco - Elia Regalado Contreras, a faithful servant of the Lord and a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, was called home to her Heavenly Father on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 78. She leaves behind a legacy shaped by unwavering faith, boundless compassion, and a life lived in service to others.
Born on May 29, 1947, in Weslaco, Texas, Elia was the daughter of Juanita Peña Rodriguez and Arturo Rodriguez. Her life reflected the Scripture she cherished: “Let all that you do be done in love.”
As a young girl, she traveled north with her family for seasonal work, experiences that helped shape her strong work ethic and deep humility. As an adult, her compassionate spirit led her into care-centered professions. She worked at Head Start, a retirement home, and John Knox Village. Her passion for helping others—and her determination to grow—led her to attend night school while working full-time. She earned her Activity Director’s Certificate, an achievement that opened the door to her true calling.
For 17 years, Elia joyfully served as the Activities Director at Con Cariño Adult Daycare, bringing joy, dignity, and laughter to countless lives. Whether hosting lively dances, coordinating spirited and competitive bingo games, or blessing others with her warm smile, Elia made every day brighter—and she enjoyed every moment of the work God placed before her. Above all, she will be remembered for her joyful, sincere voice singing praises to the Lord—a sound that will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved her.
Elia’s heart of gold and remarkable ability to care for others touched the deepest parts of her community, leaving a legacy that will span generations. Yet, even with her many gifts of service, her most cherished devotion was always to her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she poured into them the purest expression of God’s love. Through every hug, every prayer, and every moment spent together, she nurtured a foundation of faith, strength, and unwavering support.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Jesus Contreras, and her beloved children, Raul Regalado Jr. (Nancy Martell), Rodney Regalado (Dina Regalado), Marco Regalado, and Roel Regalado (Wendolyn Regalado). She was a proud and deeply loving grandmother to her cherished grandchildren, Kelly Regalado (Juan Cazares), Leah Regalado, Isiah Regalado (Star Aguilar), Ashley Regalado, and Amanda Regalado. Elia was further blessed as a great-grandmother to five beautiful children who filled her days with joy: Juan, Violet Cazares, Malaya Cazares, Cain Cazares, and Ariella Regalado. She is also survived by her siblings: Alicia Flores, Mercedes Hernandez, Idolina Regalado, Hermelinda “Melli” Herman, and Julio Rodriguez (Lupita), as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Elia is now reunited in eternal glory with her parents, Juanita and Arturo Rodriguez; her first husband and the loving father of her children, Raul Regalado Sr.; and her beloved brothers: Gustavo Rodriguez, Raul Rodriguez, Thomas Rodriguez, Manuel Rodriguez, Enrique Rodriguez, and Ernesto Rodriguez, her brothers-in-law, Augustin Flores, Miguel Hernandez, Israel Regalado, Ken Herman, and her sisters in law, Carmen Rodriguez, Anita Rodriguez, Juanita Pedraza Rodriguez, and Joyce Ford Rodriguez, who welcomed her into their heavenly home.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that Elia now rests in the presence of her Savior. Her faith-filled example, gentle spirit, and endless love will continue to guide, comfort, and inspire all who were blessed to know her.
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