Elsa Diaz Cullinan, age 53, longtime Oak Harbor resident, passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord, at her home on Saturday, May 9, 2015, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Elsa was born on July 3, 1961, in Butuan City, Mindanao, the Philippines, to Carlos M. Diaz and Cresencia M. Balaba. She graduated from San Juan Comprehensive School in 1978 and moved to Subic Bay, where in 1981 she met her future husband, Mark. She followed him to Lemoore, Calif., where they were married in 1983. They welcomed their only child, a daughter, Jessica Lynne, in November 1986. The family lived there until Mark transferred to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1989.

Elsa was a stay-at-home mom until her daughter was of school age, whereupon she took employment outside the home. She was employed by the NAS BEQ, the Navy Exchange and Technical Services Inc. During this period she became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Most recently, she was employed by Idex Health and Science, where she just celebrated her 15-year anniversary. She worked in many departments at Idex over the years but had spent the last few as an Ismatec Operator. She loved her job and the special friendships she developed with her coworkers there.

During her free time she enjoyed camping; vacations anywhere, especially Hawaii; the Christmas holidays; her monthly Bunco get-togethers; and, of course, shopping. She could always find a bargain.

Elsa is survived by her husband Mark at home in Oak Harbor; her daughter Jessica from Seattle; her brother Maximo in the Philippines; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition she leaves her beagle Snickers. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Pia and her brother Julito, as well as her beloved beagle Sassy.

The family wishes to say a special thank you to Whidbey Hospice, especially to Chris Carpenter, whose kindness and support in Elsa’s last days were comforting both to her and her family.

A Memorial and Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, at Family Bible Church, 2760 Heller Rd, Oak Harbor. Interment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Providence Regional Cancer Partnership, 916 Pacific Ave. Everett, WA 98201; washington.providence.org; or Whidbey Home Health/Hospice, 101 N Main St Coupeville, WA 98239; Whidbeygen.org

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com