Elena F. Goldstein

Ellena “Elena” Frances Goldstein nee Raggi, 66, resident of Jackson, NJ, passed away Monday, July 13, 2020 at Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus. Born March 19, 1954, in Astoria Queens, N.Y to the late Antonio L. Raggi and Mary Raggi nee Figari and raised in Staten Island, N.Y.

Elena graduated from St. Joseph by the Sea High School in 1972. For more than 20 years, she worked as an assistant manager for Anthony Palagano’s chain of Burger Kings, where she was adopted as “Mom” by the many young men and women who worked with her. No matter where she went, she never forgot her BK family and was never found without a cup of coffee in hand. In the last 6 years, she worked as an Activities assistant at Bartley Healthcare, as leader of the Cedar Alzheimer’s unit, where she enjoyed keeping her elderly residents active and engaged. She lived her life to the fullest from rockin’ out at Bon Jovi concerts, taking in Broadway shows, and spending time with her family, friends, and various pets (dogs-Buffy, Nugget, Tara, Lady, Peanut, Sancho, cats, Figgy the bird, and fish)over the years.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years David; her loving son Michael and his wife Sharon; two adorable granddaughters Caitlynn and Marissa; her loving daughter Amanda “Mandy”; her brother Anthony “Tony” Raggi; three nephews Anthony Jr., Nathan, and Joseph; and two nieces Dania and Hanica. She is also survived by her scruffy cocker spaniel Missy.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at Horizon Funeral Home, 1329 Route 37W Toms River, NJ 08755, 4-6 pm. Family and friends are welcome to gather, celebrate her life, and maybe grab a cup of coffee after with the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Elena F. Goldstein to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org, a cause near and dear to her heart.