Alva Lynn Mesman, age 71, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at her home in Virginia Beach, VA surrounded by those who loved her deeply.

Alva was born on December 26, 1954 in Lansing, Michigan, the daughter of John and Grace (Fox) Mesman. Alva is survived by her children: Stacey Tilden of Huntsville, TX; Lee (Kate) Simmons of Leonardtown, MD; Michelle (Nicholas) Cosenza of Washington, DC; and Jennifer Ackroyd of Virginia Beach, VA. She was also a proud grandmother to Aubrey, Gavin, Pepper, and Arthur. She is also survived by her siblings Howard Mesman of Glen Burnie, MD, Kristine (Lori Churchill) Mesman of Calais, ME, Mark Mesman of Spring Green, WI, and Carl (Julie) Mesman of Wautoma, WI, along with countless extended family members, friends, and shipmates who loved her dearly.

The Navy was more than a career to Alva, it was a calling she embraced with pride and unwavering dedication. From her beginnings as a torpedoman’s mate in 1982 to her retirement as Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CWO4) after 30 years, she served through demanding deployments, multiple aircraft carrier tours, and two tours in Iraq with courage, strength, and tireless commitment to those beside her. Her Bronze Star and numerous Joint Service awards reflect the profound impact of her service and sacrifice.

Alva was known for being strong-willed, hardworking, and endlessly capable. Her family could always count on her to show up ready to help with a project, offer advice, or lend a hand fixing just about anything. Outside of her service and devotion to family, she loved spending time in her garden and caring for her two dogs, who brought her constant companionship and joy. Sitting still was never really her style, those who knew her best would laugh knowing that keeping Alva in one place for any amount of time was nearly impossible. Yet in her final months, those closest to her were given the precious gift of slowing down long enough to truly talk, reflect, and share memories together.

During those conversations, Alva wondered aloud whether she had been a good friend, sister, aunt, grandmother, and especially mother. She wanted to know if she had made a positive difference in the lives of others. The answer, without hesitation, was yes. Her family and friends reminded her of the countless people she helped, guided, encouraged, and loved throughout her life. Alva knew how deeply cherished she was and how profoundly she impacted those around her.

That is everything anyone could hope for in a life well lived.

Her family asks that everyone remember Alva not for the difficulties of her final months, but for the 71 years of strength, laughter, service, friendship, and love that came before them. In true Alva fashion, she would not have wanted it any other way.

In keeping with a life devoted to the sea and the Navy she loved, Alva’s final wish was to be buried at sea by the United States Navy.

In memory of Alva L. Mesman, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ASPCA or the Sierra Club.