Elinor A. Czarnecki

Nicknamed Pinky as she was a true pink baby at birth, she was born in Dover on February 7, 1943, Elinor spent her early years nurturing her passion for learning and teaching, knowing from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. After graduating from Montclair College with a Bachelor’s Degree, Elinor moved to the Lake Shawnee section of Jefferson Twp and embarked on a fulfilling career as a Roxbury elementary school English teacher for over ten years.

In 1980, Elinor and her family moved to Andover Twp., marking the beginning of a new chapter. She began working as a substitute teacher for Andover schools, quickly earning the affectionate nickname "Super-Sub" from her students, a reflection of the love and respect she garnered. While she continued to nurture young minds, her primary focus became her family and raising her children.

In her spare time Elinor loved reading and spending quality time with her family and friends. She had a core group of friends who stayed close for over 50 years, a testament to her loyalty and loving nature. As a lifelong advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities, Elinor felt very strongly about this pursuit. She is fondly remembered as the glue of her family, holding everyone together with her love and strength. She will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the many students whose lives she touched.

Elinor leaves fond memories to her two daughters, Allison Jablonski and her husband Keith of Roseland, and Nancy Czarnecki of Andover Twp. She is also survived by her beloved grandson Justin Jablonski, and her brother Jack Barron and his wife Donna of Belvidere. She and her loving husband Johnny were married for 54 years until his passing in 2022.

A visitation for Elinor will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 3 to 6 pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton, NJ 07860. A Funeral Mass will take place Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 11 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 209 US-206, Branchville, NJ 07826.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org. Condolences to the family may be offered online at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com