Elaine M. Zuber (nee Chestnut) of Hilltop, NJ peacefully passed away on March 10, 2024. Age 88. Beloved wife of Bill for 62 years. Devoted mother of Edwin Bird (Maryann), Lisa Henley (Joe), and Patricia Stergin (Mike). Loving grandmother of Justin, Jordan, Shane, Marilyn, Haleigh, Mariah, and Billy. Great-Grandmother of Jacob, Jonathan, Reyna, and Kayleigh. Dear sister of William Chestnut (Joan), Margie Annuzzi (John, dec), and the late Patricia Kingett (Butch, dec). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

Elaine was born in Philadelphia, PA and lived her early years between her family's house and her grandmother's "little mother's" home. Her family moved to Magnolia, NJ in the late 1940s. Elaine was very proud of her 12 years of Catholic schooling, attending St. Edward's, St. Rose, and graduating from Camden Catholic High School in 1953. Elaine met Bill in 1959 at a Catholic Club Dance, married in 1962, and their relationship was built on the foundations of faith, love, and family. As a mother, Elaine made it her priority to be there for her children, always making the holidays, especially Easter and Christmas, extra special. For many, many years, Elaine and Bill hosted the entire family for Thanksgiving dinner. Elaine was a caring mom who always showed her children the importance of helping others. As a grandmother and great grandmother, Elaine was generous and supportive. She always made sure everyone had beautiful clothes, tickets for the rides, and gave unique advice.

Elaine worked as an Executive Secretary at Camden County Health Services, where she was able to combine her compassion with her strong communication and organizational skills. She returned to school later in life and earned her Associate's Degree at Camden County College.

Elaine was a woman of unwavering faith, deeply involved in her Catholic community, where she used her beautiful, uplifting voice in the choir. Elaine also served as the president of St. Teresa's Altar and Rosary Society, and helped with many church projects including the lawn festival and documenting the history of the stained-glass windows. Elaine had a very active and meaningful prayer life, with a particular devotion to the Holy Trinity.

She was a pillar of strength, a wealth of knowledge, and a lifelong learner. Elaine loved sitting around the table with her family and friends telling stories, and she was always quick to laugh. She loved cruises, playing cards, and celebrating others. In particular, Elaine loved to celebrate other people's birthdays with the perfect card, and she excelled at gift giving. (In fact, she was so very generous in her gifts, that everyone in the family Pollyanna hoped that she would select their name!) Elaine loved traveling with her family and friends on many vacations, but her favorite spot was sitting under the boardwalk on Ocean City's beach.

Her kindness and generosity touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. She opened her heart, and in many instances throughout her life, she opened the door to her home to many people who needed her love and support. Although there are so many instances when Elaine opened her home to others, one of the highlights for her was when she hosted Tony Lenaghan, from Ireland, for many summers. She loved him like a son. Elaine held so many people in her home and heart. She was always looking after others.

These few paragraphs could never capture the fullness of Elaine's life. Above all else, Elaine loved her family with her whole heart, and she will be missed beyond measure.

There will be a visitation on Friday, March 15, 2024 from 9:30am to 11:15am at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE. Funeral mass will be held at 12 Noon at Holy Child Parish, St. Teresa RC Church. Entombment St. Joseph's Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Elaine's memory to St. Teresa Regional School 27 E. Evesham Rd Runnemede, NJ 08078 https://www.stteresaschool.org/domain/51

Services