05/21/2026
A’Roma has deeply sad news to share that we are shaken by and finding hard to accept. Our beloved friend & coworker Elizabeth Chavez passed away on May 14th, after a brief and sudden illness.
Liz was a dedicated barista and generous, protective friend. She called us all “Honey” in a way that felt warm & genuine. When asked about her, her A’Roma family shared common stories of thoughtful gifts Liz would surprise us with, sometimes for our kids or pets. She was warm and goofy and protective and a damn hard worker. She took people under her wing, was quick to praise and always available to lend a hand. She loved chickens and dogs and cats. Liz loved Eminem, Los Angeles Azules, banana refrescas and candy. She made sure you had a ride home, felt safe and felt valued. And she LOVED a good thrift store, showing off her finds and sharing gifts with us. When she wasn’t on the counter she was in the back office, or her favorite spot outside under the redwoods, sketching in her notebooks and enjoying the outdoors.
A’Roma will not be the same without her, but in her honor we can all strive to be more helpful and warm to each other.
We are currently raising funds for her burial expenses that will be given to her family. Services will be held in Salinas, CA. A’Roma may have reduced hours on June 2nd so we can join with her family in honoring our friend.
