Elva Dean Chiappa, 86, passed away on July 22, 2026, at her home. She was born February 19, 1940, in Belgique, Missouri, a daughter of the late Barney and Philomene (DeWilde) Otto. She married Maurice Vickers in 1961, who passed away in 1971. Together they had two children. She later married Andrew Chiappa in 1976, and he survives.
In her late teens, Elva moved to St. Louis and began her career in office support. She took a break when her children were born and rejoined the workforce after her husband’s passing. She retired after 35 years from Sigma-Aldrich. Elva was reluctant to retire as she enjoyed the people at Sigma and learning about the chemical products.
Elva’s hobbies included reading the paper every day, gardening, and watching TV. She enjoyed spending time with friends and relatives, especially when food was involved, and it always was. Letter writing was her special talent and she sent many to family and friends, as well as to companies that had not meet her expectations. She traveled to visit her children and joined them on many vacations. Elva had significant hearing loss and found a great community at the St. Louis chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America. The annual conventions gave her the opportunity to see other cities and enjoy time with friends.
Elva will be remembered for her love and special times shared with her family and friends. In addition to her beloved husband, Andrew, she is survived by two children, LeeAnn and husband, Russ Bronson of Portland, Oregon and Scott and wife, Jennifer Vickers of Brentwood, California; three grandchildren, Hailey and husband, Mike Solomon, Blake Bronson and Landyn Vickers; a great grandson, Benji Solomon; three step-children, Jim and wife, Beth Chiappa of Pontoon Beach, Donna Roach of Montgomery City, Missouri, and Joe and wife, Dee Chiappa of Grafton; many step grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister, Rudell Cowell of Sparta; a brother, Dennis Otto of St. Charles, Missouri; special niece, Donna Rudroff of Florissant, Missouri; many other nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded by siblings, Erline Barillaro, Nelda Foster, Marvin Otto and Glenn Otto; and step-son John Chiappa.
In celebration of her life, a funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Avenue in Granite City at 11:00 a.m. on September 19, 2026, with Father Steve Thompson as celebrant. Private burial will be at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights.
In lieu of floral tributes, donations for memorial masses can be sent to Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 West St. Joseph Street, Perryville, Missouri, 63775 or Holy Family Catholic Church. Memorial donations may also be made to Hearing Loss Association of America - St. Louis Chapter. Condolences and memories may be accepted at www.irwinchapel.com.
