WILMINGTON — Elisa Mary Bertocchi Strong, of Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on June 28, 1929, in Quincy, Massachusetts, she lived a life marked by compassion, generosity, and love. She was the proud daughter of first generation immigrants from Italy.
Elisa worked many years at Raytheon, as an assembler and later as a supervisor. After Raytheon, Elisa put herself through nursing school and dedicated herself to caring for others. It was while working as a nurse, that Elisa met her beloved husband, Roger. Sadly, Elisa and Roger were unable to have children of their own. However, after her nursing career, she found joy in helping take care of children for others.
Elisa was a woman who never met a stranger. She cared enough to remember special details about them, like the names of their spouses and children. Known for her generosity, after the passing of her beloved husband, Roger, she honored his memory by gifting his car to a veteran.
A woman of many interests, Elisa found joy in painting, solving jigsaw puzzles, and truly enjoyed grocery shopping. She had a special place in her heart for her cat, Katie 2. Elisa was also an avid knitter and crocheter, making many blankets for people as well as blankets for newborns. Elisa’s faith was a cornerstone of hers and Roger’s lives. They were longtime members of Hampstead United Methodist Church, and very active in the church. Elisa had recently joined the Faith Community Methodist Church. Though she was unable to attend in person, she followed them online and loved receiving communion in her home.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger O. Strong, her parents, Eugene and Mary Emilia Bertocchi, and siblings Eugenia Mueller, Ida Furlong, and Alfred Bertocchi.
A joint Celebration of Life for Elisa and her cherished husband Roger will be held at Hampstead United Methodist Church in Hampstead, North Carolina, on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 3:00 pm. Friends are welcome to come and help honor the memory of two people who touched many lives.
Elisa Mary Bertocchi Strong’s warmth and kindness will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those she loved.
As a way to continue her kind ways, please consider donating to Tunnel to Towers, to assist first responders, veterans and their families.
