Elisabeth "Lilou" Coja, 84, of San Jose, California, passed away on February 15, 2026, after a courageous five-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was lovingly cared for by her sisters and nieces throughout her challenging illness.

Elisabeth was born on June 13, 1941, in Marseille, France, to Vassiliki Eliopoulou and Jean Coja. From a young age, she dreamed of coming to the United States. In 1967, at the age of 26, she immigrated to California as an au pair, residing in Los Altos.

Elisabeth valued education deeply. Despite not being fluent in English when she moved to California, she attended Foothill College and earned her Associate of Arts degree in 1972. In 1974, she began her career in the pool construction industry—a remarkable path for a woman at that time. She purchased her first home in 1976 and, with determination and entrepreneurial spirit, founded Supra Pools, Inc. in 1988. She later purchased a second home, from which she operated her business. Elisabeth was not only a successful entrepreneur but also a four-time breast cancer survivor. She was courageous, independent, and determined.

Elisabeth found joy in life's simple pleasures. Her favorite flower was the white calla lily. She loved Rocky Road ice cream and a good burger from Kirk's. She had a deep love for dance and took ballet, ballroom, and flamenco classes throughout her adult life, well into her 70s. Known for her generous heart, she embraced life fully and was never afraid to try something new, such as taking her first ice skating lessons in her 50s.

Elisabeth is survived by her sisters, Marie-Jeanne, Christiane, and Geneviève; her brother, Henri; her nieces, Agnès, Isabelle, Jennifer, Allyson, and Julie; her nephews, Michael and Brian; her grandnieces, Aurore and Angélique; her grandnephews, Alexandre, Colin, and Bryce; and her brothers-in-law, Charles and Don. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vassiliki, her companion, Pete, and her sister-in-law, Dani.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elisabeth's honor may be made to The New Ballet First Step program. This program provides access to ballet education for young dancers who might not otherwise have the opportunity. As a child, Elisabeth dreamed of learning ballet but lacked the financial means; she later fulfilled that dream as an adult and carried her love of dance throughout her life.

Checks can be made out to:
New Ballet, Attn: First Step Program
P.O. Box #667
San Jose, CA 95106
On the memo of the check, please write "in memory of Elisabeth Coja."

Online donations can be made at:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/newballet/
There is a checkbox available to indicate that your gift is in memory of Elisabeth Coja.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:30 am at Alameda Family Funeral & Cremation, 12341 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be available via livestream at the following link: https://www.viewlogies.net/alameda-family/yDwymRPRd?pin=589321

Following the celebration, a burial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Madronia Cemetery, 14766 Oak Rd., Saratoga, CA 95070, for those who wish to attend.