A devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Elaine (also known as “Lol” to family and close friends) was born and raised in Hillside, NJ. She met the love of her life, William, her husband of 72 years, at the West Side Trust Company Bank in Newark, NJ in 1950. They were married shortly thereafter on June 14, 1952.
A full-time homemaker, Elaine resided in Union, NJ for the past six decades and liked to spend months at her summer home at the Jersey Shore, in Forked River. She enjoyed nothing more than sitting on her deck and watching the boats go by, enjoying a vodka and tonic with her family. An accomplished cook, Elaine took great pride in her many culinary dishes, including her specialties: lasagna, cheesecake, pot roast, hearty soups and Polish foods including golumpki and babka.
When her daughter attended Benedictine Academy High School, Elaine served as President of the Mothers’ Club, helping to raise funds for the Catholic school.
Some of her other interests included going out to dinner with family and friends, browsing the stores at the Mall with her daughter, and doing needlepoint. A true dog lover, she took great pleasure when her grandson’s dogs, Jolene and Roger, would come for a visit. Growing up, Elaine always owned dogs including Brownie, Blinkey and Baron Von Fritz.
Elaine was predeceased by her parents, Stanley and Helen Krafski, and her brother Lt. Col. (retired) Richard Krafski. She is survived by her beloved husband William (Bill), daughter Willayne Konicki and her husband Gary, and her grandson Dr. William Konicki and his wife Katie.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, or the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter in Manahawkin (fosocas.org) or a charity of your choosing.
