Elisa L. Kozlowski

Elisa Lato Kozlowski entered into this world January 20, 1959 to Fernando Lato and Epifania Aquino.

From the moment of arrival, Elisa worked tirelessly to complete her earthly work until God called his angel home December 11, 2023 for some much needed rest. She will be missed beyond measure.

Elisa was born and raised in Ormoc City, Leyte Philippines. She married Donald Kozlowski of the US Navy in 1982 and with two children in tow, they moved to the United States to raise their family. With the utmost bravery and strength, Elisa settled into her life in a new country. Although she assimilated herself into the community, made many friends, raised 4 children, 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, she never forgot where she came from. She continued to help her family overseas throughout her life and it was her dream one day to return and live out her remaining days in her homeland.

Although she loved going to the casino and playing bingo, she rarely took time for herself. Without a moment’s rest she worked incessantly to care for those she loved. Elisa was nothing short of a lioness who laid guard over her family up until the moment of her last breath.

Elisa devoted her life to being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend. She was, humble, hardworking, resilient, self-sacrificing, tenacious and funny. Her stubbornness would not allow for her to accept her limitations. She refused to rest without the knowledge that her family would want for nothing.

Elisa was mom to everyone who knew her. She felt it was her duty in life to feed you. If you knew you would be blessed with her presence you better come hungry, because she would not accept no for an answer. She would gladly go without, for anyone who needed help and expect nothing in return. She was the backbone, the glue and the strength of her family.

She loved fiercely, lived courageously and was a force to be reckoned with. She was ridiculously strong willed and was afraid of nothing.

Elisa was proceeded in death by Husband Donald Jay Kozlowski and is survived by Daughter, Christeen Kozlowski, Son Mark Kozlowski and Wife Jennifer, Daughter Jean Garcia Kozlowski and Husband Ricardo, Son Jaime Kozlowski, Grandchildren Julian, Jesse, Leana, Dominic, Avery, Andrea, Aztlan, Axael, Jesse, Wyatt, Andrew, Evalin, Meghan, Zachary, Ema, Lilia, Luca, Bella and great grandchildren Luca and River.

Although without her, the world may feel a bit darker, our hearts a bit heavier and our bellies a bit emptier, mama Lisa has left us with the lessons of loyalty, family, selflessness and humility. We will forever carry with us the memories of her contagious smile, her warm hugs and more than anything the legacy of her unconditional love.