SUPERIOR, Colo. — A family who spent the past three years recovering from the Marshall Fire is now grieving another loss.
Elsie Chavez, the matriarch of the family, lost her home in the December 2021 fire. She had spent most of her life in Old Town Superior, living there for almost seven decades and establishing multiple generations there.
Her son, daughter, sister and cousin all lost their homes in the fire as well.
In December 2021, Elsie felt determined to rebuild. It took her almost a full two years to move home, but she was the person in the family who kept pushing on.
"Mom was the matriarch of our family. She kept not only us together, but she kept her siblings, her nephews and nieces. She was the glue to this family. She really was," said Art Chavez, Elsie's son.
Elsie passed away last weekend in a car crash. She was going to the store to stock up on supplies for a party she planned to host at her home to thank everyone who helped them in the rebuilding process.
"She got in a car accident because they were going to the store to buy stuff to get ready for the party. You know, for this big party to thank everybody that had helped," said Loretta Chavez, Elsie's daughter. "She worked hard. She wanted to have this party, and she worked hard for it, but you know, things happen."
Shortly before, she had learned she had terminal liver cancer. She had undergone her first chemo treatment only a couple days before the crash.
"I kind of look at it that it’s a blessing that mom don’t have to suffer with this cancer. So it’s shortened her life, but yet, but it was the best thing for her," said Ted Chavez, Elsie's son.
9NEWS spent about two years following the Chavez family while they built their home. Elsie's home took longer than expected. She also struggled with other medical issues at the same time.
"She was so brave. I don’t know anybody braver," said Laurie Chavez, Elsie's daughter-in-law.
January 2022: Generations of 1 family lose homes in Old Town Superior
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