Elba Lagares passed away at age of 79, she was the daughter of Ambrosio Salazar and Elsie Montelongo Salazar, she was born in Alma, Michigan on December 19, 1945.  Her predeceased siblings were Erasmo Salazar, Ambrosio Salazar Jr., Minerva DeLeon, Angela Rodriguez and survived by Nohemi Ayala (spouse Bernardo) who resides in Tremonton, Utah.  Elba married Jose Antonio Lagares and had three children, Jose Antonio Jr., Daniel (spouse Baya) and Diana.  She had three grandchildren, Abigail, Addison, and Mikaela.

Elba resided in Landisville NJ most of her life and dedicated herself to raising her family.  She was nurturing, compassionate, protective, selfless and supportive.  She was a strong woman and loved to serve family.  She had strength and wisdom, and she was steadfast.  Her doors were always open to family and friends; our home transformed into a sanctuary of love and comfort. The scent of food always filled the air, she made sure no one left without a full tummy, that was a way she expressed her love.  She treasured every conversation and had an insurmountable compassion towards those in need.  She was a reserved woman and never wanted more than to be surrounded by family.

Today we celebrate the life of Elba, she had a love for God and was called home on August 18, 2025. She was able to share how she was surrounded by the love of our Lord and Savior in her last days, she was grateful for the time the Lord allowed her to be around her loved ones.  Her last moments were a true reflection of who she was, she was selfless and was only concerned for those around her.  So today we can rejoice that she lived a full life of love and care, and we should feel comforted in knowing someday we will see her again, so this is not goodbye but until we meet again.

John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 25, 2025 at 11:00 AM from the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home 1024 E Landis Ave. Vineland, NJ, with Rev. Albert Torres officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. Family and friends may gather from 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday, prior to the service.

Please visit www.wbfuneralhome.com to send condolences to the family.

Arrangements are by the Wainwright-Bernhardt Funeral Home, Vineland, NJ