Elaine Tavares, 76, of Norco, California, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026. Elaine was born August 31, 1949, on the island of São Miguel, Azores, Portugal. She married her husband Lee in São Miguel on June 12, 1966, before moving to the United States, eventually forming roots in the Southern California area. Elaine worked as a housekeeper for multiple families in Corona and Chino, California.

Elaine loved her family immensely and was very devoted to her sons, husband, and grandkids. She loved cooking and baking and sharing her recipes and food with others, especially her traditional Portuguese desserts and foods. She deeply enjoyed decorating for the holidays, gardening, and spending time with her sister Connie before her passing.

Elaine was an active member of St. Edward's Catholic Church in Corona, California, where she and her husband cared for the church and prepared it for Mass weekly for over 15 years. She was a woman of intense faith who loved God. Her liveliness and love for others endeared her to nearly everyone she ever struck up a conversation with.

Elaine's memory is survived by her husband, Lee Tavares Sr.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Lee Tavares Jr. and Becky Paz of Riverside and Michael and Mary Tavares of Norco; her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Victoria, Anne-Katherine, and Vincent; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and son Michael, who passed as an infant.

Elaine will be remembered for her big hugs, her immense love and welcoming of others, and her larger-than-life personality.