Francesca Aldonza-Elliotte

Francesca Aldonza-Elliotte, affectionately known to many as “Shoon” or “Mighty Waiste” to close family, passed away on August 9, 2024, in her home in Copperas Cove, Texas. She was born on January 15, 1958, in Vieux-Fort, St. Lucia. There she met her sweetheart Niko, and they later married and she became an Army wife. In 1979, they were stationed in Fulda, Germany where Abina was born. In 1981, while stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY, Ademola was born. Shoon was a dedicated domestic engineer and stayed at home with the girls until they were old enough to go to school. She then started working in the school cafeteria where they were. While in Nürnberg and Frankfurt Germany, Francesca was very active in the church choir. She sang and played the tambourine. In her professional career, she was as a dedicated warehouse worker at the Central Issue Facility in Frankfurt, Germany before the family left for Texas in 1993. She then served as a Medical Supply Technician for the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas, for over 23 years. In addition to her solid work ethic, her culinary skills were revered and highly requested and she will be fondly remembered for her servant’s heart, impeccable taste, her thirst for knowledge and all things natural and organic. 

A woman of unwavering faith, Francesca was known for her reserved yet determined and outspoken nature. Her impeccable fashion sense always caught the eye, but it was her constant encouragement for others to pray, have faith, and trust in God that truly defined her character. She found joy in singing, music, crossword puzzles, shopping, church activities, as well as cooking and baking.

Francesca later faced health challenges, starting with a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2021 and endometrial cancer at the end of 2023. She fought both naturally with grace and courage. Despite these adversities, she remained steadfast in her beliefs and continued to inspire those around her.

Francesca's proudest accomplishments were her daughters, Abina and Ademola, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her husband “Niko”, who stood by her side through thick and thin for the last 45 years and 7 months. In her memory, she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.

Francesca is now reunited with her departed family members, including her brothers Stephen, Marcellus “Marcel”, Boniface “Boni”, and sisters Mabelle Clarke, Shela Springer, and Agatha “Acenta” Raymond. She is also mourned by her brother Joseph “Jose” and sisters Mary “Nora” Raymond, Antoinette “Merline” Aldonza, Veronica “Flores” Asson, and Genefa Accus.

In addition to her husband and daughters, Shoon’s nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends share in the sorrow of her passing. She touched the lives of many, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her, especially those who delighted in her famous banana bread and lemon loaf. 

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 am, Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove. Burial will follow at 2:00 pm, at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 - 6:30pm, Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Sneed Carnley Funeral Chapel of Copperas Cove. Rosary will be 6:30-7:00 pm.

As we bid farewell to Francesca Aldonza-Elliotte, we hold onto the memories of her strength, kindness, joy, and unwavering faith. We know we have an ally, a support, a mother on the other side who will continue to guide, protect, and arrange beautiful miracles for us here on earth. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and her spirit continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she left behind. May those who don’t yet know the love of God, meet Him through her example. 

If you'd like to contribute something other than flowers, the family would like to give a donation to their church that would help with much needed roof repairs. You can send a Venmo to @Ademola-Elliotte and write "church roof" in the comments. Thank you. ❤️