Laveada Marie Tamborra

Laveada Marie Tamborra passed away peacefully at home on January 31, 2025 in Norwich, CT at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her brother, her husband of 40 years, his seven siblings, their spouses, and her cousins in Oklahoma, making her the very last of that generation and marking the end of an era.

Born on October 14, 1932 in Ringling, OK, Laveada was the youngest child of the late Joe Benson Elkins and Myrtle Gertrude Elkins. Farm life fostered her spirit of independence and grit—she could even be found trick riding and racing with her beloved big brother, “L.D.,” on their pet horses.

After graduating high school at the age of 17, she left home to work as a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Wichita Falls, TX. Here, she met the love of her life, Joe, while he was a serviceman stationed in San Angelo. They began their married life in Oklahoma, later ending up in Joe’s hometown of Norwich, CT.

Together, they owned two restaurants, the Oilman’s Cafe in Woodward, OK and the Pebble Diner in Groton, CT. Following the birth of her two children, she spent time as a homemaker for many years prior to her untimely husband’s passing. For a short time, she was a sales manager for a solar company before becoming a familiar face working at the front desk of the Backus Hospital for 15 years. There, she met her second husband, “Mac,” of nine years. They spent their retired years traveling and enjoying time with family and friends.

An active member at the Norwich Assembly of God, she faithfully attended services where she formed lasting friendships with her church family. She was a natural hostess and loved to entertain. Her home of 60 years was the gathering place for sharing stories and laughs, hosting bible studies, and playing games of Scrabble or Phase 10.

Family was a central pillar in Laveada’s life. She is survived by her son, Joseph Tamborra and his wife, Melissa and her three children, Elizabeth, Tyler, and Seth; her daughter, Paula Tamborra-Berglund and her husband Peter; and her grandchildren, Kara Berglund Popinchalk and her husband Daniel, Jordan Tamborra, Joseph Berglund, and Brian Berglund.

In addition to her parents, Laveada was predeceased by her first husband, Joseph Paul Tamborra; her second husband, Ronald “Mac” McCullough; her brother, Linley Don Elkins; and her nephew, Joe Don Elkins.

A life well lived, she was as unique as her name, “Laveada.”

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 6, at 11 a.m. at the Norwich Assembly of God, 340 New London Turnpike. There are no calling hours. A reception at the church will follow the burial at Maplewood Cemetery, 184 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT.

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