Elva Elizabeth Buckingham

Elva Elizabeth Buckingham, 97, of Newark, died on January 5, 2012 at Millcroft Assisted Care.

Elva was born at her family home, Rocky Hill Farm in Corner Ketch, DE on February 7, 1914, the daughter of the late Richard Gilpin Buckingham II and step daughter of Anna Mills Buckingham. Elva attended Newark High School and later went on to work for The Budd Company for 36 years. She later worked at the University of Delaware before her retirement in 1977.

Elva’s family has resided in Corner Ketch for 6 generations. Her father sold Rocky Hill Farm to S. Halleck DuPont in 1922 and the family moved to Newark where her father owned and operated a General Store on Main Street. In the mid-30’s, the family moved back to Corner Ketch living at Fairview Farm, then owned by her Grandfather Buckingham. As an adult, Elva lived in Newark where she enjoyed living near to her work and being with friends. Elva moved to Millcroft Assisted Living on Possum Park Rd. 13 years ago, where she remained until her death. While there, she became an advocate for resident’s rights, often speaking out for causes that would help residents who could not speak for themselves.

Elva enjoyed small family gatherings, bus trips with friends, having traveled 49 of the 50 states. She was an avid reader and Philadelphia sports fan.

Elva was a good and caring aunt who always remembered her siblings and many nieces and nephews on their birthdays and holidays. She is survived by four nieces, three nephews, and 16 grand-nieces and nephews, and two sisters-in-law.

A private interment will be at New Garden Friends Meeting Cemetery where Elva’s father, mother and sister’s family have their final resting place.

Contributions of remembrance would be appreciated for the Millcroft Employee Gift Fund, c/o R.T. Foard and Jones, Inc., 122 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.