Ernest Jaeger
Elsie and I were friends for about sixty years, since the time I started teaching at North Plainfield with Dean. Elsie and I became good friends over the years. We shared a number of interests — cooking, film, theatre, reading and music. There was always something to talk about with Elsie. She was amazing and insightful. She also seemed to see everything.
We had a group of mutual friends and shared many events together. There was always an annual celebration of Elsie’s birthday. We had a number of Broadway nights together; and most significantly, a good number of laughs.
Elsie was also incredibly sweet and kind. One holiday when Elsie was with us, she met my sister. Later Elsie told me, “Your sister is so sweet.” It takes one to know one.
Elsie was a big part of one of my important life events. When Eleanor and I
planned to wed, Elsie served as our witness at the marriage license bureau.
Eleanor and I wish we had more time with Elsie especially at the end. I was hospitalized at the beginning of January. After a number of procedures and an operation, I went into a rehab facility then home for more of the same— more than a three month ordeal. In so many ways,Elsie’s passing marks the closing of a very nice chapter in our lives. We pray that she is surrounded by light and peace.
