Elisa Legaspi Wilson

Elisa Legaspi Wilson passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, and a longtime resident of Tampa, Florida, Elisa was known for her loving heart, generous spirit, and warm smile that never seemed to fade. She was the kind of person who “never met a stranger” – every store, restaurant, and place she went, people knew her, and she made them feel like family.

Elisa had a passion for gardening and flowers, especially orchids. She was a dedicated volunteer at Incarnation Catholic Church, where she served faithfully as a sacristan and helped care for the church in every way she could. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the Diocese of St. Petersburg St. Jude Medal for distinguished service to her church.

She loved the simple joys of life: working in the garden, lobstering with her family, traveling all over, snow skiing, and going on motorcycle rides. Her grandchildren fondly remember her saying they were going “banking,” which really meant going shopping – another one of her favorite activities. She loved to ride on the back of her husband Robert’s motorcycle to BikeFest in Daytona, always ready for an adventure.

Elisa’s family treasures the many moments they shared with her, especially when Robert taught her to ride her own motorcycle and she went straight into the hedges, or the time she whacked her head while cleaning the anchor during a boating trip. On a ski trip to Colorado, she famously got on the wrong ski lift and ended up going down a double black diamond slope – but she made it, smiling as always.

Elisa is survived by her loving husband Robert, her daughters, Margaret “Peg” Carter (Michael), Elizabeth “Lisa” Costin (Pete) and Jessica Thompson (Damon), eight grandchildren, Justin Carter (Marianne), Matthew Carter (Mary), Nicholas Carter (Jennifer) Sarah Carter (fiancé Michael Bankes), John Curlin, Caitlyn Curlin (fiancé Amelia Faber), Harlie Thompson (Matt Boyette), Tara Thompson and three great grandchildren, George Carter, Joseph Carter, and Amelia Carter, and dear friends.  She was also adored by her cat, Shiloh, a neighborhood stray who chose Elisa to rescue her and never left her side.

A memorial Mass will be held at Incarnation Catholic Church in Tampa on July 19th beginning with a Rosary at 9:30. A private interment will be held in Indiana.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elisa’s memory to Incarnation Catholic Church (8220 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615) or to Suncoast Hospice Foundation (5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760), in appreciation of the compassionate care she received.

Elisa's legacy is one of love, laughter, and generosity. As she often said, “I love you always.”