Elva Hepp

Canton, Georgia – Elva Hepp, 97, formerly of Naugatuck, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Alvin Hepp.

Mrs. Hepp was born on October 20, 1928, in Waterbury, Connecticut, the daughter of the late George and Elva (Penney) Rempher. She grew up on her family's 30-acre working farm in Cheshire, Connecticut, attended St. Margaret's School for Girls, and graduated from Crosby High School and the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing.

A Registered Nurse by profession and a caregiver at heart, Elva spent many years working at Waterbury Hospital and in private duty nursing. Caring for others was not simply her career; it was her calling. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to family, friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a helping hand. She cared for numerous elderly relatives in their later years, making sure they remained connected to family and traditions. She took great joy in bringing loved ones together, especially during holidays and family gatherings, and was often the one ensuring everyone had a seat at the table. She also devoted many years to caring for her husband with unwavering love, dignity, and support.

Elva and her husband shared a love of adventure and enjoyed participating in time-distance automobile rallies as active members of the Waterbury Sports Car Club. They also spent many happy years boating together and were members of the Milford Yacht Club.

A creative and talented seamstress and knitter, Elva enjoyed creating clothing, custom canvas boat covers, and countless handmade sweaters and blankets that became treasured family heirlooms. She also enjoyed crewel embroidery and needlepoint and was an avid reader of both current events and novels. Known for her sweet tooth, she never passed up an opportunity to enjoy chocolate or ice cream.

Family was the center of Elva's world. She was a fierce advocate for her daughter, Lisa, standing beside her through life's challenges with strength, determination, and unconditional love. She opened her home and heart to those she loved and played an instrumental role in raising her granddaughter, Jennifer, with whom she shared a special bond. They shared a love of the beach, card games, and shopping outings, creating countless happy memories together.

Elva welcomed those who joined her family as her own, including her son-in-law, Jim; her step-granddaughter, Tina; and her grandson-in-law, Ernesto. She found immense joy in her great-grandson, Gabriel, whose arrival brought her tremendous happiness.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond people to the animals she loved throughout her life. She cared for many beloved pet cats, dogs, fish, and birds and delighted in feeding the wildlife that visited her yard. Whether it was birds, squirrels, or chipmunks, Elva made sure every creature had food, water, and a place to feel welcome.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Hepp) Bradshaw and her husband, James Bradshaw; her granddaughter, Jennifer Schmelter and her husband, Ernesto Sosa; her step-granddaughter, Tina Bradshaw; her great-grandson, Gabriel Sosa; her step-great-grandchildren, Alexander and Augustin Flores; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was predeceased by her husband, Alvin Hepp, and her parents, George and Elva (Penney) Rempher.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Shore Animal League in honor of Elva's lifelong love of animals.