"Benji and Vita had a love that no one will ever know. They loved each other so much and until they meet again that love will be again! "
In loving memory of
Elvira Armijo
October 12, 1960 - June 11, 2024
When those who knew her speak of Elvira Armijo, it's never too long before they refer to her loving kindness or her selfless nature when helping others. She was a giver. She offered thoughtful words of encouragement to ease anything you were going through; she understood. Evita remained positive about life through all the ups and downs and, though we lost her too soon, her impact will resonate for decades to come. She passed on June 11, 2024, surrounded by those who loved her. She is survived by two children, three grandchildren, her mother and four siblings.
Evita rose from humble beginnings, having immigrated as a child to Orange County, California with her parents from Spain and Costa Rica in 1964. She loved family, her Spanish and Costa Rican roots, music, cooking and crochet. She moved to Washington state in 1986 to raise a family, residing in Lake Stevens, Mill Creek and Arlington, where her grandchildren became her whole world.
Evita gave over 40 years to the medical field as a Clinic Administrator and Director of Physician Relations. Her patients, staff and medical teams describe her as one of the best they ever encountered in their respective fields. In 2006 she earned the Swedish Edmonds Hospital Employee of the Year award. In 2016 and 2017 respectively, Evita was awarded for high performance and demonstrated commitment to quality improvement by Swedish Medical Group. To Evita, patient care was a passion to which she gave her all. She was a manager, mediator and caregiver through and through.
While it's exceptionally hard to let go, to accept that she is gone, we realize that now is the time to find new ways to love and celebrate the life she lived, the legacy she leaves behind and the sparkle she left in those who knew her. Being no stranger to what potential each of us has, Evita left us with a great challenge summed up neatly in one of her last online posts, "Believe that a loving world is not only possible, but it is our natural way of being. Bless all of your relations and celebrate this life."
Tributes
"Evita was my manager at 3 separate clinics over the years; we've known each other for 28 years. She knew my family members as well as some of my relatives. She put my kids to work when they were younger and as the years passed, she met my grandson. Evita was so kind to him, making him feel special. You could always go to her with a problem or if you just wanted to share a laugh. Evita was filled with warmth and compassion. Evita made me a better employee and person. It breaks my heart that she is gone so young. I know she is with her dad whom she loved dearly. Evita, you will be missed by so many. Fly high and find your feather......? ?"
"Evita and I worked together as Clinic Administrators and then in Physician Relations at Stevens Hospital, where we were solid partners and became friends through some very stressful work. It was with great sadness I heard about her passing. Hard to believe precious Evita is not with us. Her beautiful smile and warm, giving personality will be greatly missed. Purple forever! My thoughts are with her mother, children, and grandchildren. Rest in Peace Angel."
"In the short time that our lives crossed paths, EVITA was like a very beautiful cloud, pure white and never changing; always with a smile we feel very privileged to have known EVITA even the short time that God allowed. God be with the ARMIJO family. ???? PADILLA FAMILY"
"I feel privileged to have met and worked with our dear Evita. She was a joy to be around. Her soft welcoming presence, her firm, convincing, and kind delivery, grounded in strong values, and her readiness to serve and collaborate were a constant throughout her interactions. Evita was one of the reasons I came to work with the now Swedish Medical Group. She managed then one of the clinics and I was impressed with her engaging, driven and informed leadership. Though we never worked together, she was a mentoring force during my time at Swedish, a friend, and I will deeply miss her. "
"I had the delightful pleasure to work with Evita we met in the early 90's , I was a new medical assistant excited for a new adventure I hit the jackpot with Evita as my manager she was compassionate about patient care and and she led her employees by example . She was never afraid to leave her office and jump in when needed by staff she got to know each staff member and knew many of thier kids and now grandkids .Evita had a long career and I was blessed to work with her within the Swedish system clinics throughout those years .
Evita also shared the love for her children and grandchildren with me she often mentioned her parents or siblings and when she had time away it was often spent visiting family ,it's hard to say goodbye but I smile as I know Heaven has gained an angel.
"