What was Elsa Patton's net worth?
Elsa Patton was a Cuban-American socialite, spiritual advisor, and reality television personality who had a net worth of $5 million at the time of her death in May 2019. Elsa Patton became a cult favorite through her appearances on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Miami." Known affectionately as "Mama Elsa," she was celebrated for her eccentric personality, caftan-heavy wardrobe, mystical proclamations, and sharp one-liners. Though she joined the show later in life, Elsa became one of the franchise's most beloved figures and remained a cultural standout long after the series ended.
Early Life and Background
Elsa Patton was born in August 1934 in Havana, Cuba. She later immigrated to the United States, settling in Miami, Florida, where she married businessman Donald Patton. Together, they had two children: Marysol and Thomas. Elsa became a familiar face in Miami's social circles, known for her glamorous presence, bold personality, and deep involvement in spiritual and mystical practices. She often described herself as a "witch" and developed a reputation for offering guidance through energy readings and dream interpretations inspired by her Cuban heritage.
Bravo Fame and "Real Housewives of Miami"
Elsa made her television debut in 2011 on "The Real Housewives of Miami" as the mother of cast member Marysol Patton. Though not a full-time housewife, Elsa quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her unfiltered commentary, eccentric style, and deep devotion to her daughter. Her presence on the show often stole scenes, providing comic relief and surreal wisdom in equal measure.
She famously declared, "I'm a witch!" while wearing ornate jewelry and flowing caftans, and viewers loved her quirky spiritual practices, including dream interpretations and impromptu rituals. Her popularity even led to a Bravo web series, "Havana Elsa," which followed her as she attempted to launch her own Cuban coffee line.

(Photo by Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)
Coconut Grove Home
For decades, Elsa lived in a canal-front home in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood. The nearly 4,000-square-foot property, purchased with her husband Donald in 1990, became closely associated with her on-screen identity and was featured prominently in "The Real Housewives of Miami." The house included four bedrooms, two kitchens, and a private dock—offering both charm and waterfront luxury. After Elsa's passing, her daughter Marysol retained the home for several years, renting it out and eventually listing it for $4.95 million in 2025. The decision to part with the home marked the end of an era and a deeply emotional chapter for the Patton family. Here's a video tour from when the home was listed for rent in 2024:
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Health Struggles and Final Years
In 2013, during the show's third and final season, Elsa suffered a stroke, which significantly affected her health. Her daughter Marysol later reported that despite a long recovery, Elsa's "feisty spirit" remained intact. She largely withdrew from the public eye after the show ended but continued to receive support from fans of the franchise.
Elsa passed away in May 2019 at the age of 84 after a long illness. She died over Mother's Day weekend, surrounded by family and close friends. Her husband of 50 years, Donald Patton, had died the year before in February 2018.
In addition to Marysol, she was survived by her son Thomas, daughter-in-law Svetlana, and grandson Hunter.
Legacy and Pop Culture Impact
Elsa Patton left an outsized legacy in the Real Housewives universe despite never holding an official cast title. Her spiritual one-liners, wild plastic surgery anecdotes, and maternal warmth made her one of Bravo's most memorable personalities. Andy Cohen paid tribute to her after her passing, noting that while many family members had appeared on the Housewives shows, few had left as lasting an impression as Elsa.
To fans, she was not just Marysol's mother—she was a spiritual comic relief and an icon of unapologetic eccentricity. Her legacy continues to live on through reruns, memes, and her daughter's continued presence on the rebooted "Real Housewives of Miami."