Elysa Gail Boffo

Elysa Gail Boffo, 72, of Lewisberry died Monday, September 4, 2023 at her home. 

She is survived by two sons, Benjamin L. DeBrunner (Cheryl) of Dauphin and Andrew F. DeBrunner (Sarah) of Camp Hill; four grandchildren, Cecelia, Reid, Eloise, and August; siblings, Dion, Roberta, and Anthony Boffo; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

Born on August 3, 1951 in Urbana, IL, to the late Louis Sunday and Opal Pearl (Wigner) Boffo, Elysa spent her formative years in Haddonfield, NJ, attended college in Punxsutawney, PA, and eventually settled in Camp Hill, PA, where she raised her sons. She spent her later years with friends and loved ones, both at her cottage on Silver Lake in Lewisberry and on extended adventures to Michigan, Arizona, and Italy. 

As a retired teacher, she worked with and advocated for neurodivergent children and adults and taught young students learning English as a second language. Known for her creativity and sense of fun, she remembered her students fondly and frequently.

As a loving mother of two boys, she taught them to live authentically, question authority, treat others with kindness, and not take themselves, or life, too seriously. As beloved “Boppo” to her four grandchildren, she listened with intention, played with abandon, and encouraged their curiosity. 

As a friend to all, Elysa loved bringing people together, and every gathering was an excuse for a celebration: beach parties hosted in the dead of winter, themed Easter baskets, group trips to Italy, and her annual Fall Fest.

In her honor, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on October 8th, as a very special Fall Fest gathering. Contact ben@debrunner.us for details.

In lieu of flowers, tell a favorite story, laugh out loud, admire nature, wear a silly hat, enjoy a bubbly drink, call an old friend, and hug someone you love. Feel free to donate to the charity of your choosing in her honor.