Elena Thibodeaux David died on April 19, 2025, with her daughters by her side after a short-lived battle with cancer. She was 61 years young. She was preceded in death by her father, Auburn Thibodeaux, and is survived by her girls, Emily and Megan "Alex" David, her sons-in-law, Diego Gonzalez and Kevin Akin, her mother, Ginevra Elkins, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will forever miss her quick wit, detailed storytelling, and deep, unwavering care.

Elena was born the last of six children on January 8th (A.K.A. the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans) in 1964 in Church Point, Louisiana. From Day 1 she had a fiery spirit that was physically embodied by her untamed curly locks. She learned about cool music and historical facts from her older sister and brothers. Elena's facial expressions were always clear enough to communicate exactly how she felt, but just to make sure her message was received she would also frequently make up her own words (e.g., functionable). She tempered her spicy attitude with an outsized measure of empathy; she spent her life nurturing everyone and everything around her—people, pets, plants, and sometimes even lost souls who just needed a good meal and a little kindness. Elena spent most of her adult life as a homemaker (raising two doctors, as she was quick to tell anyone who asked), but her sharp intellect, love of history, and boundless curiosity make it easy to imagine her thriving in her secret dream of becoming an archaeologist.

She married Blaine David on Christmas Eve in 1982. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, laughter, and good food across Louisiana, Bolivia, and Texas. Elena was preceded in death by Blaine after a tragic motorcycle accident they endured together—but she never took her second lease on life for granted. She worked hard to regain her mobility and strength, and lived the last ten years with an admirable intentionality. Her new life in Padre Island, TX remained full—of memories, of meaning, and of the kind of love that endures.
Elena was the person everyone trusted to know how to pack a truck or a suitcase without an inch or ounce to spare, or which grocery aisle held the pancake mix—no matter the grocery store or even the country. She maintained an unwavering and lifelong devotion to Diet Coke (preferably cold and in a plastic Mardi Gras cup). She loved the color blue, llamas, the ocean, tulips, and crabs—both on her dinner plate and scattered throughout her home décor.

Elena was the most observant and thoughtful person you could ever hope to meet. She gave legendary gifts—the kind that proved she had been paying attention all along. She remembered the things you forgot you said and quietly made your life just a little easier or more beautiful. Everyone who was closest to her has only to look around their home and they will soon encounter Elena's fingerprint. She had a green thumb, an expert eye for interior design, and an uncanny ability to make any house feel warmer with her presence. Elena was happiest when spending time with her daughters—going to the beach or playing games with Alex on their Tuesday nights or fishing on the weekends with her and Kevin. She was equally happy when traveling the world with Emily and Diego, whether exploring new countries, relaxing at their home, or revisiting her beloved Thailand. She also adored her granddogs throughout the years, each one convinced they were Gran's favorite. As a near Michelin-grade Cajun cook, her kitchen was always the center of activity and there was always a plate or two for one more. But above all, Elena gave her daughters the priceless gift of always feeling like her top priority—never once needing to wonder if they were loved or truly seen. Her loss leaves a huge void in their lives that will never be filled.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 14, 2025, at the Padre Island Beach, followed by a reception in her home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something Elena would have done: cook something delicious, select a gift with care, take a walk and collect a special rock or seashell, or go on an adventure with someone you love. Finally, as we already cleared up the pronunciation of "David", she would have liked it known that her name was pronounced "Eh-LAY-nuh" and not "E-lain" or "Helen-a" and she never understood why that was so hard.