Elsie Jo Airaghi

Elsie Jo (Blair) Airaghi of Niceville, Florida, passed away June 12, 2024 at her home. She was born September 4, 1938 in San Angelo, Texas to Albert and Ruth (Sparks) Blair. She was Catholic by faith and a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. She has been a resident of this area for the past 60 years, having arrived in November 1963.

Her first husband was Elwood Hinton. After she divorced, she later met the “love of her life” James Airaghi, and they were married in 1967 at Eglin AFB, Florida. They remained at Eglin until December 1972 when Jim received orders to Aviano AFB, Italy. While there, they toured Europe, enjoying the history, beauty, and people. In May 1975, Jim was again assigned to Eglin AFB where they retired.

Elsie retired from Civil Service at Eglin AFB in March 2000 after 41 years, where she had been an Executive Secretary and Editor. After her retirement, she became a volunteer with Covenant Care of Fort Walton Beach, Florida and the Emerald Coast Cancer Center. She was also a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Sodality, Clan Blair Society, and the Sparks Family Association. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. After Jim retired, they continued to enjoy traveling by car, touring 48 of the 50 states. They also liked going on cruises, including ones to Alaska, Canada, the Mediterranean, Panama Canal, Central America, and several to the Caribbean. Elsie also enjoyed reading, crocheting, researching her family history, and visiting with family and friends.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth Blair of Phoenix, Arizona, her sisters Annie Ruth Blair and Alberta Loraditch, daughter Jorene Engler, brothers-in-law Michael Airaghi and David Airaghi, and daughter-in-law Betty Airaghi. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, James Airaghi of Niceville, Florida, son Bud Airaghi and wife Deb of Birmingham, Alabama, son Jack Airaghi and wife Karen of Pensacola, Florida, daughter Susie Griner and husband Stan of Mossy Head, Florida, grandchildren Jonathan Hinton and wife Tammy, Jacquelynne Kemp and husband Carl, James Engler, Loretta Airaghi, Bud John Airaghi, James Airaghi, Christopher Airaghi, Shana Airaghi, Jonathan Griner, Leah Roll and husband Billie, and Timothy Griner and wife Morgan, and her great-grandchildren Zachury, Abigail, Ian, Chase, Talyn, Kimberly, Trey, Mary Ann, Rosie, and Ryan.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Hensy Hsiang, Laura Smith NP, and the nurses at Emerald Coast Cancer Center for the care they gave our wife and mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Name of Jesus Building Fund or Niceville Catholic Outreach at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church 1200 Valparaiso Blvd, Niceville, FL 32578.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. 

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