Elva Forte

Obituary of Elva Maria Forte

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December 3, 1922 – June 4, 2020 Born in Manhattan to Constantino and Ana Echezuria Pereira, Elva spent her early life living in East Harlem and the Bronx. After marrying and having four children, Elva left New York City and moved to Long Island where she and her late husband, Anthony, purchased a home. In addition to her parents, Elva is predeceased by infant brother Raoul, infant sister Andrea, husband Anthony, son Michael, and brother Joseph. She is survived by son Joseph (wife Kerry), son Wayne, daughter Cynthia (husband Bill); grandchildren Alexandra (husband Chris), Miranda, Michael (wife Jane), and Alan; special nieces Janis and Joyce; goddaughter Connie; many other nieces and nephews; in-laws; and countless cousins both in the United States and abroad. Elva graduated from Julia Richman High School in Manhattan. Many years later, while working full-time, she graduated from Nassau Community College with an Associate Degree, followed by SUNY Old Westbury where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. Elva valued education and always wished that she had had more opportunity as a young woman growing up in the 1930/40s. Elva had many jobs in her lifetime (aside from being a mother), including employment at Creole Petroleum, Bulova Watch Company, Electrospace, Powers Chemco, LeaRonal/Harriton, and finally at Grumman Aerospace Corporation where she worked as a personnel administrator. Elva loved to travel. One of her favorite places to visit was Spain. She made her first trip in 1936 with her father to visit his family home in Northwestern Spain (Galicia). She made the last trip in 2016 with three of her children and her granddaughters. In between, she made many other trips, accompanied by different family members: Anthony, Aunt Tota and Papa Juan, cousins, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren. She always visited her Pereira relatives in Galicia and tried to track down any Echezuria family in the Basque region. Elva and Anthony (known to many as “Tony”) started camping in 1971.They began touring the country, quickly graduating from a tent to a trailer, and finally to a series of motorhomes (RVs). They travelled all over the USA and Eastern Canada sometimes taking along their children and grandchildren. They belonged to the National Campers and Hikers Association (NCHA), which was later renamed Family Campers and RVers (FCRV), becoming more involved as time passed. Over the years, Elva and Anthony held various positions in the organization at Chapter, District, State, and National levels. In addition, they were members of the well-known ​Kentucky Colonels ​ camping group. They rarely missed camping events, Campventions, and Retiree Rallies. They travelled far and made many friends along the way. Anyone who knew Elva recognized that family (both blood-related and otherwise) was incredibly important to her. She attended many weddings and graduations across the country. She could recall every family member’s name, birthday, baptism, anniversary, and graduation, as well as the names of her extended relatives all over the world. Her memory was astounding right up to the end. In addition, Elva was a true matriarch, planning family gatherings and trips for every occasion. She also loved to cook for her family and various occasions. Growing up in Manhattan and the Bronx with an international family in an eclectic area of NYC, Elva learned to make a variety of Latin and European foods. Family and friends will never forget her famous eggplant parmesan, lasagna, arroz con pollo, mofongo, and flan. Spending hours, even days, in the kitchen, preparing food for her loved ones was one of Elva’s favorite pastimes. Elva had a great love of animals, especially cats. Over the years, she loved so many cats and a few dogs. Many of her pets showed up at her door looking to be loved; she took them in, and they became hers. In addition, Elva had a passion for sewing, macrame, and crafts. She spent a great deal of time creating masterpieces with her sewing machine. Her children, grandchildren, and nieces remember the beautiful clothes and costumes Elva made for school, dances, events, performances, and weddings. In her 97 years, Elva lived a full and inspiring life. She was a strong, independent, and (at times) stubborn woman who showed fierce determination in everything she did. She will be missed by many, all over the country and throughout the world. Due to the current health crisis, funeral services will be private. Burial will be at the Calverton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center https://giving.mskcc.org/​ or Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation https://lasthopeanimalrescue.org/donate-to-last-hope/
Wednesday
10
June

Final Resting Place

Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Calverton National Cemetery
210 Princeton Blvd
Calverton, New York, United States
Wednesday
10
June

Visitation at Funeral Home

9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Towers Funeral Home Inc.
2681 Long Beach Rd
Oceanside, New York, United States
Wednesday
10
June

Funeral Service

12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Towers Funeral Home Inc.
2681 Long Beach Rd
Oceanside, New York, United States
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Elva Forte

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Elva Forte

1922 - 2020

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