Rosa Elena Pedraza, 100, of Lawrenceville, passed away Sunday, September 26.

Born in 1921 in Bogota, Colombia, Elena emigrated to the United States in the 60s.  She was the youngest of 10 children and is predeceased by her parents.

Elena had many friends. They would gather at her apartment in Long Branch for the best Colombian coffee and fresh muffins hot from the oven. Her greatest joy and fulfillment was in giving to others.  Elena also enjoyed gardening and birdwatching and taking care of her cats. In her later years, Elena moved to St. Joseph's at Morris Hall.  A devote Catholic, she loved going to church, which was in the building near her room. She went to church after breakfast, lunch and dinner for many years. The staff at Morris Hall were superb throughout her stay. At 99, Elena contracted Covid-19 and survived because of the excellent care at Morris Hall.

The Ellis and Lasker families considered Elena a member of the family.  Suzanne, Joan and John will hold Elena in their hearts forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, November 6, at 11 am at St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, 800 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch. Burial will follow at Woodbine Cemetery, 14 Maple Avenue, Oceanport.

For messages of condolence or to share a favorite memory of Elena, please visit her tribute page at www.WoolleyBoglioli.com.