Elvia C Strom

Elvia (Colaneri) Strom, 95, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2025, having spent her final weeks surrounded by family and friends. She was born on May 7, 1930, to Ralph and Angela (DiLizia) Colaneri. She grew up in Hartford, where she graduated from Bulkeley High school.
With a passion for the performing arts, Elvia had vocal training in Hartford and New York and performed for most of her life. She sang on the radio, in church, and in the opera, and later was involved with several community theatre groups. She danced from a young age, and offered classes at Miss Elvia's in Unionville. She continued taking dance classes and performing in recitals well into her retirement. Elvia graduated at 50 years old from Central Connecticut State University with honors, earning the distinction Summa cum Laude, showcasing the commitment with which she approached everything she took on. She became a special education teacher and cherished the time spent with her students.
Family and faith were two of the central pillars of Elvia's life. One of her great pleasures was attending recitals, performances, sports matches, graduations, weddings, and special events for all her children and grandchildren. Elvia was a dedicated parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, where she spent countless hours organizing and decorating for the many feasts and special services throughout the years. The church also connected her with Hawaii, a particular favorite place of hers to visit.
Elvia was predeceased by her loving husband, Henry Strom, and her devoted sister, Gloria Meade. She leaves behind her children and their spouses, Marlene Strom and Mark Weber of Providence, RI, Daniel and Michelle Strom of North Andover, MA, Cheryl and Gary Lindquist of Enfield, CT, Henry Strom, Jr. of Portland, CT, Heidi Strom of Manchester, CT, and Jeffrey and Jenny Strom of Wethersfield, CT; 17 grandchildren, Angela, Benjamin, Kai, Hanna, Monica, Zachary, Jacob, Samantha, Vincent, Jennifer, Nathan, Rose, Tyler, Sabrina, Justine, Theresa, and Elizabeth; and 3 great-grandchildren, Quentin, Isaac, and Maelani.
Calling hours will be Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10:30 am to 12:00 Noon at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Rd., Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Elvia's life will follow at 12:30 pm in Our Lady of Sorrow Church, 16 Greenwood St., Hartford. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Newport, RI - Elvia's home-away-from-home. In lieu of flowers, Elvia can be remembered by acts of kindness performed in her name. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Church. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elvia, please visit our floral store.