Obituary of Elva Loretta Steeves

Elva left her earthly home to her heavenly home on October 10, 2021 at the age of 76, while holding her husband’s hand, Whitfield Steeves; her friend and companion for 59 years.

Mrs. Elva Loretta Steeves was born in Sussex, NB on August 18, 1945; she was the daughter of the late George and Hazel (Almon) Gregg.

Elva raised her four children over the years alongside of her loving husband, putting her children first before her own needs. She also practiced this wonderful quality in her day-to-day life. Thinking of others and finding ways to help was what kept her going each day. She could show up at any time to pitch in and clean, bring along some baking or what she had been picking that day. She always wanted to make sure that you were doing well and that you had that little something she saw for you and just had to pick up.

Whitfield built Elva her dream home in the early nineties. Her dream of a log home came to life and any request she had; he would work achieving it for her. They loved their time in this beautiful home of 29 years. They faced life together with much laughter, creating many happy memories and no matter the difficulty that was before them. Standing firm and unwavering in their faith. God’s strength allowed them to get through the tears and pain at times.

She faithfully made sure their home was clean and always had Whit’s church clothes were clean, pressed and matching and that he always had her yummy food to eat; especially her biscuits.  Over the years, there were many outings and activities: visits, sleepovers, camping, swimming, boating, Ski-doing, sledding and ice skating, minibikes and four wheelers. Throughout it all Elva looked for everyone to have a goodtime and be well fed. She loved going out in her dune buggy and kept Whitfield busy keeping it in operation. Heading out to see the fall leaves and scope out locations to get her hunting spot selected for the new deer hunting season.

~ The Greatest in the Kingdom, shall be the Servant of all ~

Her Bible was usually not far from her sitting chair, and she cherished the words it brought to her soul, praying faithfully for her family and friends. She loved the family of God and looked forward to attending church each week, praying worshipping, and singing His praises.

The buggy got another workout when there were berries to pick: blue, black and red; they went in her bucket for jams, jellies, pies and goodies. You could always guarantee the baking and preserves were fresh and there was more than enough to share with everyone. No one would leave with empty hands or empty bellies.

Being out in the woods looking for flowers every season (especially mayflowers and lady slippers). She loved springtime as it was like a new beginning each year and she loved all the colors when fall came. She loved gardening and watching her flowers coming to life each year gave her pleasure. She loved to show you what was coming in bloom when you came to visit and you were sure to have a slip or root when you left, so that you could grow your own.

When the berries were jam, the deer was cut and frozen and the Thanksgiving turkey demolished, she would turn her attention to Christmas. It was her favorite time of year. Out of storage would come special things she already had for the many people she loved and cared for, and she would turn her craft room into wrapping central! Sparkling bags and bows, cards and tags and you know she would have Darian on speed dial – “Can you make me some bows?”, “When are you going to decorate?” and she wanted the biggest tree she could get. Christmas at Whit and Elva’s was like walking into a winter wonderland fairytale.

If she could not find a reason to celebrate for a holiday, then she would invent a reason for a get-together. For years she organized birthday parties, grad parties, wedding showers and baby showers. She never missed an occasion to spoil her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always one of the last to leave as she always stayed to clean up and lend a hand whenever needed. Recent years she had enjoyed her yearly corn-boil at her log home. As Elva would say “The More the Merrier!”

She was a woman with a heart of gold and a kind spirit. She was always easy to please and felt blessed and thankful in her life. She believed in doing for others and in Love and Forgiveness and all things good.

Known to most as Elva, she also answered to Mom, Nanny, Nan and Great Nan and she will live on in the hearts of her beloved husband, Whitfield; her children: Kevin Steeves and his wife Faye of Penobsquis, Darian Steeves of Dunsinane, Melody Steeves of Roachville and Fonda Baskins and her husband David of Indiana; her brothers: Norman Gregg and his wife Sharon of Collina and Gordon Gregg and his wife Elsie of Sussex Corner; her sisters: Beatrice Obermeir of Sussex, Doris Cruickshank of Smiths Creek, Sharon Boyd and her husband Larry of Norton and Sheila Bozic of Salisbury; her grandchildren: Barry, Rebekah, Larissa, Justus, Wade and Meagan; her great grandchildren: Jacob and Lauryn; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her family knows they have been truly blessed and praise her for the works of her hands, her example of strength and honor, love and kindness, and most of all her “unconditional love” that she offered to each one of them.

She was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Our hearts are filled with sadness, but she is now at peace. As Elva would say….. It’s just “Goodbye for Now”.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB (506-433-1176). A graveside service celebrating the life of Elva will be held from Pioneer Cemetery, Penobsquis, NB on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 2pm. 

Donations in memory of Elva may be made to the Abundant Life Church, Living Memorial or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com