Elsa Wurster, born Elsa Guerra on December 10, 1950, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, was a devoted wife, mother, and designer whose legacy continues to inspire through the Elsa Wurster Memorial Foundation. Elsa passed away from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on April 28, 2024, at the age of 73.

 

Elsa was the beloved daughter of Mauro and Olga Guerra. She was one of four siblings, survived by her older sisters Patty Bellinghausen and Mary Greely, and her younger brother Mauro Guerra Jr. Elsa’s early years were shaped by the family’s move from Piedras Negras, Mexico to Chicago in 1953, where she grew up on the South Side of the city. While born a Mexican citizen, Elsa proudly received her American citizenship in 2005. ​

 

Elsa attended Chicago Vocational High School, graduating in 1969. It was during her senior year that she met Barry Wurster, the love of her life. After just a few months, they became inseparable. They married on October 31, 1970, Halloween, marking the beginning of a 53-year journey together filled with love, dedication, and shared dreams. Elsa and Barry built a life centered around their family and their community, first settling in Downers Grove, IL, where they raised their children Andrea, Sarah, and Maureen. Elsa was actively involved in her children’s lives and created a life centered around family and community.  

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While raising her family, Elsa’s passion for design led her to pursue her educational goals. In her 30s, she attended the College of DuPage, earning an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design in 1987. Balancing studies, motherhood, and family life, Elsa’s determination to further her education exemplified her commitment to personal growth.

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Elsa spent more than 30 years building a successful career in interior design. She worked for Walter E. Smithe Furniture for 14 years, where she served as a designer and Assistant Store Display Manager. She also worked for several other noteworthy interior design firms and retail establishments. In addition, Elsa also provided private interior design services to clients, bringing her unique vision and creativity to every project.

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Elsa and Barry shared a vision for creating a lasting impact in their community and beyond. Together, they envisioned establishing a foundation that would support underrepresented students in their educational pursuits. Elsa’s lifelong passion for helping others and her belief in the power of education inspired the creation of the Elsa Wurster Memorial Foundation.

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The Foundation’s mission is to provide scholarships for high school graduates, particularly those from minority backgrounds, to pursue post-high school studies and apprenticeship programs. Elsa’s legacy lives on through this initiative, which Barry and their three daughters oversee. The foundation ensures that 100% of all tax-deductible donations directly benefit students, honoring Elsa’s memory and her commitment to fostering educational

opportunities.

 

Elsa Wurster’s life was one of dedication, love, and service. She was a woman who faced challenges with grace, embraced the joy of family, and believed in the transformative power of education. Her spirit will forever sail forward, inspiring all who knew her to seek and find the greater good in the world.

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"Now Voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find." - Walt Whitman