Elvira Julia Del Camp

Elvira J. Del Camp, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Portland, Maine, on October 24, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers.

Born in 1927 to Italian immigrants, Elvira Rossi grew up of humble beginnings during the Great Depression in Melrose Park, Illinois, as the youngest of three sisters and one brother. After World War II, she met Mike Del Camp, who immediately became the love of her life. They married in 1950 and soon began raising their family of five boys—Michael, Thomas, David, Brian, and John—who became the center of Elvira and Mike’s universe. In 1972, the couple moved their family from Chicago to Portland, Maine, where Elvira made many dear friends over the years. The memories of her love and her life of complete dedication to her family will always be cherished by those who survive her.

She loved each of her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren equally, despite their different personalities and paths. When people learned she had five boys, the common reaction was often “…your poor mother…”

Yet Elvira never saw it that way.

She considered herself blessed, and each son brought her great joy: Michael earning his Eagle Scout Award, Tom being the first to give Elvira her first grandchild, David and Brian competing as teammates on the college gridiron, and John returning home safely as a decorated combat veteran.

Whether she was cheering her sons on at athletic events, working as a secretary to the Plant Manager at General Electric in South Portland, participating in women’s golf and bowling leagues, boating on Sebago Lake, or trying to keep up with her boys on the ski slopes, she made wonderful friends and memories wherever she went. True to her Italian roots, any friends her boys brought home were always offered snacks, a home-cooked meal, or both. She was known for planning menus weeks in advance for large holiday gatherings or even hosting parties for other team parents at David and Brian’s Maine Maritime Academy football games—long before tailgating was common.

Elvira lost Mike, her best friend and lifelong love, in 1985 after 35 years of marriage. She remained in their home for the next 41 years as a widow. An avid animal lover, she deeply appreciated the unconditional love her dogs gave her.

Her inner strength was forged as a Gold Star family member when her only brother, Ben, was killed in action in 1944 during World War II. She rarely spoke of it, but she always held him close in her heart. Anyone who knew Elvira knew she was a proud, patriotic citizen with a fierce love for her country. A voracious reader, she stayed well-informed on current events and was never afraid to share her opinions. Family gatherings often featured lively discussions—and sometimes good-natured yelling—but she could disagree spiritedly at one moment, and share laughs while breaking bread the next. Over the years, she opened her home and heart to girlfriends, wives, and the blended families of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always generous to a fault. Her love for each of them was unmistakable.

Elvira was among the last of the Greatest Generation. A devout Catholic, she will be fondly remembered for her integrity, loyalty, love of family, patriotism, welcoming spirit toward friends and strangers alike, and keen sense of humor. While her family has lost their beloved matriarch, they take comfort in knowing she lived a wonderfully blessed and full life.

In addition to her brother, Ben, she was predeceased by her parents, Frank C. and Michalena Rossi; her sisters Ann, (husband Hartzel) and Rose, (husband Warren); and her husband, Mike Del Camp.

She is survived by her sons Michael; Thomas and wife Cynthia; David and wife Barbie; Brian and wife Maureen; and John and wife Debra. She is also survived by her grandchildren Christine and husband Patrick, Laura and husband Kyle, Yana and wife Talya, Tracy and husband Roger, Nate and wife Chanel, Rachel and husband Ryan, Tara and fiancé Derek, Dakota, Katarina and husband Berk; and her great-grandchildren Arthur, Luke, Penelope, Nikko, Carter, and Giovani.

Elvira and her family extend their heartfelt thanks and humble gratitude to her dedicated caregivers, Rose Ricci and Lucia Igani, as well as Nurse Tracy Rickards, Katie, Lynn, Wanda, Ellen, Michelle, and Rebecca on staff at Beacon Hospice. Their professional care, attention to detail, and dependability allowed Elvira to remain comfortably in her home during the past three years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church, Stevens Avenue, Portland, on Tuesday, November 10th, at 11 AM, followed by a reception at Bruno’s restaurant, 33 Allen Avenue, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Elvira’s name to:

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.

217 Landing Road

Westbrook, Maine 04092