Elva R. Malatesta
October 27, 1920 ~ July 2, 2020
Born in:
Vilas, Colorado
Resided in:
Hamden, Connecticut
Elva Ruth Bowers Malatesta, 99, Hamden resident for 74 years, wife of the late John T. Malatesta, passed away on July 2, 2020 with her family by her side. Born in Vilas, CO on October 27, 1920, daughter of the late Horace G. and Ora E. Simmons Bowers. She is survived by her daughter Margie Carrano and her husband Frank of Wallingford; brother L. Paul Bowers of WA and sister Alice Cangiano of Coeur D’alene, ID. She also leaves 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband John, she was predeceased by her daughter Betty Corso; sons, J. Edward and Thomas J. Malatesta; and siblings Harold and Helen Bowers and Claradee Worthington. Elva worked beside her husband as owner and operator of American Appliance Parts for over 65 years. She was an active member of the Hamden community. She was president of the Hamden Italian American Club, Knights of Columbus Carmel Council of Woman, volunteered at the Hamden Senior Center and established Hamden Journey with the help of the Hamden Historical Society. She was a long-time member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, was one of the four founding members of the Marian Guild, co-chaired the church carnival for several years, and served as Eucharistic Minister for many years. Elva traveled extensively in her younger years and enjoyed their summer cottage in New Hampshire on Lake Warren. She enjoyed being with all of her family, taking rides in the fall to see the fall colors, and attended many sporting events her great-grandchildren played. She also was an avid Yankee fan.
Friends are invited to visit with Elva’s family on Thursday July 9 from 9:30-10:30am at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, Hamden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to The American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society P.O. Box 91891 Washington DC, 20090.
My sincere sympathies to Elva’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing her for the past 9 years and thought she was a kind and gentle woman who was always thinking of other’s. She had a warm And sincere smile and will be Sadly missed. My best to her family. Linda Esposito
Deepest sympathies to all of Elva’s family. I have many fond memories of working for Elva and John at American Appliance Parts (where I wa sknown as “JW” so as not to be confused with John – “the Boss” )and in Hamden politics. Elva was a wonderful lady who gave generously of herself to help make her community a great place in which to live and work. RIP!!
We extend our condolences. Elva was a wonderful person, accomplishing so many good things during her life.
Gail and I met Elva and John through activities in the Republican Party in Hamden. Elva was a strong person, intelligent, organized and dedicated to the task at hand. We enjoyed chatting with her last year at a Senior Center event, not having seen her for decades.
Our condolences to her family.
Sam and Gail Guy
I will miss Elva at the Journey Meeting, if we ever get to meet because of covid 19, I admired her physical strength and wished I would be able to move as well as she did. To Marge, I know you helped your Mom at the eye Doctor, It was the last time Ray and I saw you. She was such a personable, happy lady. Can’t say i ever heard her complain and I remember when she and your Dad ran the American Appliance Srore on both Whitney Ave. and Sherman Ave. they always had what I needed no matter how old my stove was, or any other thing we needed. God Bless your family, i will be saying extra prayers for her and all of you.
Dear Margie and Frank,
So sorry to hear of the loss of Elva. She was such a great lady.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Dear Margie, I’m so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s death! A wonderful lady to remember! We had so many great conversations in the sacristy at Our Lady of Mount CarmelChurch. I always looked forward to her Christmas card! Sincere sympathy to you and your family from my daughter, Karen Senes(VNA) and myself!
Eileen Moriarty