Elsie Ann Roda

Elsie Ann (Totaro) Roda Elsie Ann Roda, passed away peacefully at age 97 in Bennington, Vermont on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. She was born in the Springdale area of Stamford, CT on March 25, 1925, to James Totaro and Jennie (Beffero) Totaro, who owned the Park Liquor Shop in Stamford for many years. Elsie was born in her family home, at 20 Cerretta Street, built by her grandparents Nicola and Carmella Beffero in 1917. Elsie graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and worked for Pitney Bowes in the billing department until her retirement. She married Joseph John Roda, a WWII veteran of the Army Air Force, in January 1951 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. They were married for 51 years when he passed away suddenly. After her husband’s passing, Elsie continued to live at her family home until health issues prevented her from living alone in 2019 and the house was sold. She always shared her home, skills, memories, and viewpoints with her family. Elsie was a talented gardener, an ability learned from her grandfather who worked tending Waveny’s gardens in New Canaan. She enjoyed the challenge of getting a wide variety of plants to grow in her home and summers would find her outside tending her vegetables and flowers. Her love extended to the kitchen, where she prepared her family’s favorite foods, always making sure there was something special for everyone. Elsie’s favorite singer was Frank Sinatra and her eyes lit up every time his music played! Special family memories were made at favorite vacation spots in Cape Cod and Florida and later with family in Virginia and Vermont. A life well-lived, she will be in our hearts always and we are grateful to have had her part of our lives for so long. She is survived by her two sons - Joseph, his wife Lynn, of Manchester, VT, and their children- Hayley Anne, her husband Gabe, ChomicRoda, of London, UK and Weston Roda of Edmonton, AB; and Anthony, his wife Jennifer, and their childrenNicholas, Elizabeth, and Caroline- of Alexandria, VA. She is similarly survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no calling hours, and Elsie’s entombment will be private at Ferncliff Cemetery Mausoleum in Hartsdale, NY. Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net