Elisabet Sorensen Iampaglia

Elisabet Sorensen Iampaglia, lovingly known as Lily to her family, went home to be with Jesus on the morning of October 26, 2023.

The very last words Elisabet spoke to her husband Daniel were, “hay que tener fe” – you must have faith. A life of faith is exactly what Elisabet lived. Jesus was everything to her; she loved Him with her whole heart, filled herself with His Word, and worshipped Him with every ounce of her being.

Elisabet was born on March 23, 1947, in La Plata, Argentina to missionaries Samuel (since deceased) and Esther Sorensen. As a very young girl, she knew the importance of living a life wholly surrendered to the Lord. The Holy Spirit filled her, and overflowed through her, to everyone she came in contact with.

Elisabet met Daniel in 1965, when he arrived in Argentina as a young missionary from Brooklyn. When Daniel finally mustered up the courage to ask her to be his girlfriend, Elisabet responded “from the moment I saw you, I loved you.” Theirs is a precious love story that has stood the test of time.

Elisabet and Daniel founded several churches in Argentina, then pastored churches in New York and Chicago before they retired from the ministry. Countless lives have been impacted for the kingdom of God as a result of their faithful obedience to the Lord. Elisabet was a fierce prayer warrior and moved mountains with her faith. She devoted her life to teaching, loving and comforting those the Lord led her way. Elisabet was instrumental in developing the faith of so many people. Her legacy is eternal.

Elisabet raised her four children in the fear of the Lord. She faithfully prayed them through the most difficult times in their lives. Each of her children would tell you “I would not be where I am today, if it wasn’t for Mom’s prayers and encouragement.” Elisabet’s ministry carried over to the next generation, and in her last hours on earth she prayed for each grandchild and great-grandchild by name.

Elisabet’s family was her greatest treasure, starting with Daniel, her loving husband of 55 years and her four children – Karen (Edward) Tierney, Sam (Sara) Iampaglia, Mariela (Brent) Lawrence, and Cindy (Lee) Peterson. She was a devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren – Kelly (Caleb) Anderson, Sophie (Daniel) Lara, Isabella and Raquel Iampaglia, Jamie and Rylie Lawrence, Emily, Luke, Aaron, Joy and Annie Peterson and 2 great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Robin Anderson.

Elisabet’s mother Esther and 3 siblings Rosalinda (Hugo since deceased) Fernandez, Roberto (Edith) Sorensen and Eduardo (Alicia) Sorensen live in Argentina. Her sister Eleonor (Ruben) Kralj lives in Pennsylvania. Elisabet has 15 nieces and nephews who, along with their families, lovingly called her Tía Lily.

Elisabet’s legacy of faith is a priceless gift she leaves behind to everyone who knew and loved her. By the grace of God, and in honor of her beautiful life, may we all carry on this legacy.