Elva L. Lanza

Elva Lorraine Lanza, 98, of North Branford passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at home, 13 days before her 99th birthday. She was born on November 17, 1926 in Rensselaer, MO, a daughter of the late Maurice "Mose" and Clare Scheips Moyers.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Robert J. Lanza, her brothers Maurice "Bud" and Robert Moyers and her sisters Katherine Moyers and Mary Marguerite Paulus.

She was active and extremely hard to keep up with most of her life, only slowing down in the last three years. She was a great fan of basketball, especially the UConn teams, an avid reader and crossword puzzle solver and loved gardening. When anyone remarked on her longevity, she would tell them she owed it to exercise.

Elva is survived by her children Gail Lanza of Branford, and Robert and M. Lanza (Barbara) of Madison; grandchildren Robert J. and Addisyn Lanza; sisters Lucille Moyers and Beatrice Miller of Quincy, IL, Dorothy Miller of Fort Madison, IO, and Carolyn Yates of Rolla, MO; brothers James Moyers (Brenda) of Scott City, MO, and William Douglas (Diane) of Bridgeport, WA; numerous nieces and nephews, and three grand dogs Jordy, Sansa, and Darwin.

We would like to extend our thanks to the staff at Smilow (especially those on the 7th floor), and the wonderful people of Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving. You are all amazing.

Family and friends may visit Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, on Tuesday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Closer to Free Fund, and Smilow Cancer Hospital.