Elsie M. Avila

Elsie M. Avila, 95, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at Newport Hospital, surrounded by love. She was the beloved wife of Anthony Avila, Jr.

Born on March 27, 1930, in Bristol, Elsie—affectionately known as “ZD”—lived a life defined by generosity, resilience and strength. She lived a life focused on her family and her community.

Two of her most cherished traditions were her annual baking of Easter Sweet Bread and Thanksgiving pies, lovingly made with her husband, daughter, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, and great-grandson, and shared with family, friends, and loved ones—a tradition that embodied her generous spirit.

Elsie was the daughter of the late Anthony Coite and Mary (Alves) Coelho.

She is survived by her children, Anthony Avila III of Bristol and Deborah (David) Burns of Bristol; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeffrey Harrell) Avila, Heather (Robert) Bernard, Robert (Melissa) Burns, and Patrick (Amanda Gomes) Burns; and her great-grandchildren, Norah, Maya, Hailie, Alan, Robert, Devin, Ryan, Lily, and Thomas.

She is also survived by her siblings, Raymond Coelho of East Providence, and Elizabeth Shirley Waters of Bristol; her many godchildren including Elizabeth “Liz” Harvey and Mary Jane Furtado, as well as loving nieces, nephews, cousins, great- and great-great nieces and nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by her son, Alan Avila, and her brothers, Anthony Coite, Robert Coelho, and Joseph Coelho.

She attended Rehoboth schools and was employed by PF Industries, Converse, and later Raytheon, where she worked for 14 years before retiring. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Elizabeth’s Church and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality. She was former President of the VFW Post 237 Women’s Auxiliary.

Though we mourn her passing, we are deeply grateful for the time we shared and the memories that will forever remain in our hearts. ZD will be remembered for her compassion, her warmth, and the love she gave so freely.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, January 14, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 577 Wood Street. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, January 13, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to: Bristol Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 775, Bristol, RI 02809; or St. Elizabeth Church, 577 Wood Street, Bristol, RI 02809 in memory of Elsie Avila.

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