Dr. Elsa M. Baez de Borges, MD, PhD, age 87, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025, in Jackson, MI.
Elsa was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on February 12, 1938, the daughter of Carlos and Maria (Abreu) Baez.
A lifelong learner, Elsa earned her medical degree from the Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) and went on to earn PhDs from UCV and the University of Zulia (UdelZulia). For many years, she served as both a professor and a physician at UCV, where she was deeply respected for her expertise in infectious disease and parasitology, the field of tropical medicine. A renowned researcher and expert, Elsa's work was respected across the world. She was a brilliant, yet amazingly nurturing woman. Elsa found peace in gardening and found joy in spending time cultivating her gardens. She was a woman of hardwork and determination, yet never lost sight of her family. Her family was everything to her. Elsa married the love of her life, Pedro V. Borges, on April 2, 1960, in Caracas, Venezuela. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2005.
She is survived by three children: Marelvi (Frederik) Siewertsz van Reesema of Chelsea, MI, Pedro Jr. (Audrey) Borges of Virginia Beach, VA, and Carlos (Gloria) Borges of Montreal, Canada; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Jose Manuel Baez of Venezuela; and a sister, Karmen Baez of Venezuela.
Cremation has taken place, and a private graveside service will be held at Oak Grove East Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Elara Caring Hospice in Jackson, MI. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
“If ever we cannot longer hear her voice, think of flowers and their beauty; she will be there whispering her love to us.”
