Elaine Louise Bennett

April 6, 1940 – August 11, 2025

Elaine Louise Bennett (née Pulasty) passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at Robert Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Perth Amboy on April 6, 1940, she was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Anna Pulasty.

Elaine’s formative years were spent in Edison, where she cultivated a lifelong affection for the shore—summers meant retreating to her family’s house in South Seaside Park, a tradition begun in 1954 and treasured by generations since.

A dedicated educator, Elaine earned her degree in education from Glassboro State Teachers College (now Rowan University). She began her teaching career at the elementary level in East Brunswick, where she touched young lives for ten years before pausing her professional journey to focus on raising her own family. Once her youngest child was around 15, Elaine pursued her master’s degree in special education at Seton Hall University. In 1991, she returned to teaching at The Center School—a nonprofit institution dedicated to students with learning differences—then located in Highland Park and now serving students from across New Jersey  . Elaine’s warmth, humor, and passion made her a beloved fixture at the school until her retirement in 2019, at the age of 79.

Elaine’s faith was at the core of her life. A lifelong Catholic, she first shared her devotion through teaching CCD at Our Lady of the Mount Church in Warren, and for the past two decades found community and solace at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung. Even after her health no longer allowed regular Mass attendance, she remained spiritually present by watching Saturday evening services online with reverent consistency.

Her commitment to community was equally steadfast. Elaine served as president of the Warren Township Board of Education, was a dedicated member of the Warren Board of Adjustment, and played a meaningful role in the Mount Horeb Women’s Auxiliary Fire Department.

A woman of curiosity and adventure, Elaine also loved to travel. Her family fondly recalls her solo journey to Tokyo to visit her daughter—a testament to her brave spirit. She enjoyed summer days at South Seaside Park, moments spent at the shore house that had become a beloved haven, and lighthearted evenings at the casino, always ready for a spin on the slot machines. Her kindness extended to all creatures great and small, especially her dear dogs, whose companionship brought her boundless joy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to Hope 4 Paws, a Plainfield based nonprofit animal rescue organization. Their current mailing address is: 75 Rock Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07063 or www.hope4paws.org

Elaine is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard Bennett; her daughter, Kirsten Bennett Horner (and husband, Giles); her son, Garrett Bennett; her grandson, Bennett Horner; her beloved sister-in-law Deborah Bennett; David Thompson; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Boulevard, Watchung, New Jersey. A funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, August 16, at St. Mary’s Stony Hill Church in Watchung, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Basking Ridge.