Elaine was born January 26, 1937, in Sea Bright, New Jersey, to Lillian and Arthur West. She was a graduate of Long Branch High School class of 1954. Everyone considered her a “Jersey Girl” since she lived most her life at the Jersey Shore, with a short stint in State College, PA. She had recently moved back home to New Jersey.
While working as a secretary at Fort Monmouth, Elaine met her future husband, Eric, at the Officers Club. Eric had been serving in the Army and was stationed there. She married the love of her life on November 14, 1959. Married for over sixty-two wonderful years, they raised four children: Karen Friberg, Amy (Michael) VanBezooijen, Eric (Kerry) Friberg, and Andrew (Diana) Friberg.
She was blessed with thirteen grandchildren: Ricky Pollon, Kristie (Blair) Ollendorf, Kelsey Pollon and fiance, Zach Emmett, Andrew and Gunnar VanBezooijen, Christian, Cole, Carly, Caroline, Drew, Tommy, Johnny, and Lily Friberg.
Elaine was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Toms River for over sixty years. She served as an Elder on the Board of Session as the Chair of Personnel as well as several other commissions. In addition, she served as a wedding hostess for many years. Our family considered her the expert in pinning on bouttonierres.
Elaine loved getting to know others and had the special gift of making them feel welcome. She displayed true hospitality and genuinely cared for everyone she met.
While raising her family, Elaine lived a very active lifestyle spending her time exercising, gardening, playing bridge with several bridge groups, bowling, and tennis. She enjoyed decorating her home, especially during the Christmas holidays. Elaine enjoyed traveling and spending time in her second home in Pawley’s Island, SC.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Lillian and Arthur West, and is survived by her sister, Joy (Richard) Petrilli, from Conway, South Carolina.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 am at The Presbyterian Church of Toms River, 1070 Hooper Avenue. Interment will follow immediately after the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elaine’s name to The Presbyterian Church of Toms River
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