Obituary of Elaine J. Gares

Elaine J. Gares, age 61, of Asbury, NJ (Warren County) died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at home after a courageous and hard fought 12 year battle with cancer surrounded by the love of her family. She was a beloved wife, loving mother and cherished friend. She was determined to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment with family and friends never letting cancer determine her life.Mrs. Gares was born June 7, 1947 in Somerville, NJ, the daughter of the late John and Wilma (Manfra) Cox. She resided in Asbury, NJ for the past 25 years and previous to that, she lived in Clinton, NJ and as a child grew up in Califon, NJ. She was a very generous and caring person and any person that met her became a friend. She was always thinking of others before herself and was always surrounded by friends and family members who loved her. She graduated from North Hunterdon Regional High School in 1965. Elaine was a Classification Technician for the Mountainview Correctional Facility in Annandale, NJ for 25 years before retiring in 2005. She was a member of the Annalee Doll Society and had a large collection of dolls. In her early years she was an avid drag racer and enjoyed racing and spending time at the track. She had many trophies in her collection. She loved to travel to many different places, of which Lancaster, Pa. and Vermont were her favorites. Her favorite winter activity was snowmobiling with family and friends. She had taken many winter trips to different spots to enjoy this activity. She was also able to enjoy her long awaited trip of a lifetime to Alaska in 2006. She also enjoyed the numerous family camping trips from Canada to Alabama. After retirement she became a novel reader and enjoyed sitting down and relaxing with a good book. She was also a dog lover, her favorite being the Siberian Husky of which the family had.Survivors include, her beloved Husband of 43 years: William Gares, her Sons: William, Jr. of Asbury, NJ & Scott of Asbury, NJ, her Daughter: Lisa Hart & her husband, William of Branchville, NJ, her Mother: Wilma Manfra Cox of Clinton, NJ and her Sister: Bobbi Landon & her husband Donny of High Bridge, NJ. She was pre-deceased by her Father, John Cox. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Califon United Methodist Church, 15 River Road, Califon, NJ 07830 -- #908-832-2318. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Califon United Methodist Church, 15 River Road, Califon, NJ 07830.