Obituary of ELAYNE B STERN

Elayne Stern (née Bernstein) was born in 1936 and grew up in Brooklyn, NY, surrounded by the M & S Levy Family Clan. She spent memory-filled summers at WingdaleCountry Club with her many cousins, aunts and uncles.

After studying at Ithaca College, Elayne met her husband, Barry, in 1954. They married in July 1956 and moved to Hartsdale, NY, where their first two children, Diana and David, were born.

In 1963 the family moved to the “burbs” of New City, NY, where she gave birth to their third child, Alan, in 1965. Elayne raised her children there, helping out as class mom and bowling with her friends in many leagues throughout the years. She spent summers working at Camp Ramapo, making sure the office ran smoothly and drying tears when campers’ knees got scraped.

In 1974 Elayne and her family relocated to Edison, NJ, where she began a lifelong administrative career at Rutgers University, Seimans, and then Navisys. She was loved by her co-workers, who admired her for her intelligence and sense of humor. Elayne knew more about computers than the younger generation around her!

Elayne was everyone’s “Mom” in the admissions office at RU and as a volunteer for “Friends” at Plays In the Park. She made wonderful friends at the park; it was her second family and home away from home. She guided many a young person as they struggled to find themselves, even providing food and a roof for the kids in her “adopted PIP family” when they needed it most.

Elayne retired from Navisys in 2009. She spent retirement with her beloved grandkids, watching them grow into adults and have children of their own. She was a loving “Gabba”, and so very proud of her kids, grandkids and great grandchildren, and their many achievements.

Throughout her lifetime Elayne was a strong, classy, independent woman who was loyal to her family and friends. She could be stubborn or sassy at times, but would give you the shirt off her back in a heartbeat.

Elayne passed away on June 22nd at the age of 86 surrounded by her family. She is survived by her children Diana, David and Alan; her grandchildren, Anielle, Jamie, Brianne, Matthew, Brooke, Shawn and Devin, and her great grandchildren, Zadie, Wren, Lyra, Scarlett, & Emma. She will be profoundly missed by all - family, friends, former coworkers, and all of “her kids”.

Elayne loved her cats! So, in lieu of flowers, her family asks that Elayne be honored by making a donation in her name to your local animal shelter.

A Celebration of Elayne’s life  will be held on Sunday, July 17th. If you are interested in attending, virtually or in person, please send an email to EStern0436@gmail.com for details.