Elisa M. Serrano

Elisa Minjares Serrano

Elisa Minjares Serrano went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 28, 2026.

Elisa was born on March 8, 1942, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Juan and Belen Minjares. She was the youngest of thirteen children and the last surviving sibling of her family. From an early age, Elisa possessed a vibrant spirit, a compassionate heart, and a love for learning that would shape the course of her life.

After earning her GED, she continued her education at Eastern New Mexico University, where she obtained an Associate Degree in Education. Her outgoing personality, ambition for teaching, and genuine love for children made a career in Early Childhood Education a natural calling. For more than thirty years, she dedicated herself to nurturing and educating young minds before retiring due to health concerns.

Although she retired from the classroom, Elisa never stopped teaching. She cherished every opportunity to share her wisdom, listen to others' stories, and encourage those around her. She never forgot her students and often delighted in reconnecting with them throughout the years. The impact she made on their lives was so profound that she continued to attend milestones, celebrations, and even funerals of former students long after they had left her classroom.

One of the greatest blessings of Elisa's life was finding her soulmate, Severo Serrano. Together they shared 46 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, family, and hard work on their farm. Their marriage was a beautiful example of devotion and commitment. Although Severo's passing left a void in her heart, her love for him never faded. She spoke of him often and carried his memory with her until her final days.

Throughout her life, Elisa built a beautiful family and leaves behind a legacy of love that spans generations. She was blessed with nine children, whom she loved deeply and supported faithfully. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, celebrating life's moments both big and small, and watching her family grow.

Elisa was steadfast in her Baptist faith and was a devoted member of Landmark Baptist Church in Carlsbad, New Mexico, for more than thirty years. Known affectionately as "Buela Elisa" and "Grandma Elisa," she was loved by children everywhere she went. Many church children fondly remember taking rides on her walker, a memory that never failed to bring smiles and laughter. She was a faithful presence in her church family, sitting in the same pew, in the same corner, since the construction of the church's current building.

Elisa was preceded in death by her parents, Juan and Belen Minjares; her beloved husband, Severo Serrano; her twelve siblings.

She is survived by her children, son Jesse Franco, daughter Evelyn & Adan Granger, Daughter Emma Franco & Edward Dominguez, Daughter Elizabeth & Paul Quintana, Daughter Yanira Serrano & Greg Dickinson, Son Jose Alfredo & Roseanna Serrano, Son Jose Luis & Nena Serrano, Daughter Maria Elena Serrano, son Severo Jr & Olga Serrano ; her 42 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, former students, and church family who will forever cherish her memory.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and has been reunited with her beloved husband, her family members who went before her, and her Lord and Savior. Her kindness, wisdom, faith, and love will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Elisa's life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Landmark Baptist Church in Carlsbad, New Mexico, with a graveside service to follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and kindness during this difficult time