Memorial Mass
Obituary of Elaine Gilbertson
Elaine Mary Gilbertson, 93, of Bradley Beach NJ, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Sunrise Senior Living of Marlboro. Elaine was born in Bayonne, New Jersey February 17, 1931 and graduated from Bayonne High School at the age of 16 in 1947. After high school, Elaine went to work as a receptionist for Manufacturers Hanover in NYC. Elaine met her husband Bill in August 1947 on the ferry commuting from work. She approached him. They were married at Our Lady of Mount Caramel February 16,1952 where her bridesmaids wore different shades of her favorite color, purple.
Bill and Elaine had a daughter, Joyce, and three sons, Bill, Chris, and Tim.
In 1966, the whole family moved from North Brunswick, NJ to Yokohama, Japan. They returned to the states after 13 years and settled in Colts Neck, NJ where they loved hosting their children and their families for pool parties on Sunday afternoons in the summer. They finally achieved their dream of living at the beach when they moved to Bradley Beach in 1996.
After the death of her husband, Elaine moved down the street to Ocean Ave. where she enjoyed sitting in her chair and watching the surfers “for their safety”. Some of her favorite past times were knitting and reading historical fiction and non fiction. She loved to entertain family and friends especially when the town fireworks went off on the 4th of July or her weekly mahjong game. You could also find Elaine and her girlfriends enjoying happy hour at any one of the fine Jersey Shore establishments.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents Grant and Sabina Smith; loving husband William T. Gilbertson and son William G. Gilbertson. She is survived by her children Joyce Luker (Jeff), Chris Gilbertson (Margaret) and Tim Gilbertson (Dorca); grandchildren Jeffery, Christian (Erica), Mary Kate (Adam), Dillon (Kerrilynn), Maggie, Lauren (Louis), Megan, Danielle, Will and great grandchildren Grace, Elma, Miles, Bode and Ellie Mae.
She touched many hearts, and we are all better for it. To know her was to love her.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial mass on Friday, June 14, at 11AM at Parish of St. Teresa of Calcutta, 501 Brinley Ave. Bradley Beach, NJ 07720.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Holiday Express 151 Industrial Way East, Suite A4, Eatontown, NJ 07724. Donate - Holiday Express
To leave a message of condolence, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com.
