Elena Richardson

Elena Richardson (Suarez) was born on June 29, 1942 in Cienfuegos, Cuba.

She immigrated to the United States in 1971 with her only son. She settled in Elizabeth, NJ where she spent the majority of her time. As a single mom, it wasn’t always easy raising a son in Elizabeth, but she managed to figure it out. While working primarily in factories during the 70’s and 80’s, she set out to obtain her GED and later her manicurist license. In the 90’s she started a side business as a manicurist and later found her passion working as a teacher’s aide within the Elizabeth Board of Education until her retirement in 2017.

She absolutely loved working with young children. In 2018, Elena moved to Old Bridge, NJ to be closer to her grandchildren.

Elena got the opportunity to travel abroad and was most fond of her trips to China and Egypt with her friends. She was always amazed by the Great Wall and the Great Pyramids, and even got to ride a real camel. She was a very kind and giving person. Although she didn’t have a lot financially she always contributed what she could, and loved to participate in many of annual charity walks and fundraisers. Her passing on January 25, 2021 left a big void within her family, friends and community.

Elena is survived by her sister Caridad, brother Francisco, son Miguel, daughter-in-law Tammy, two grandchildren Michael and Victoria, and many nieces and nephews -- Alex, Diana, Lily, Guillermo, Juan Carlos, Rosa Maria, Eddy, and Bobby. She was also blessed with lifelong friends who were there until the very end. Many of these friendships passed on to the next generation with her son and her friends’ children. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Friday January 29, 2021 from 9:00-11:00 am at McCracken Funeral Home, 1500 Morris Ave, Union, NJ. Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held at Rosedale Cemetery, 350 E. Linden Avenue, Linden, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to either the Alzheimer's Association or Embrace Kids Foundation.