Elaine Cruz, 83, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at her home in Holmdel, New Jersey surrounded by her loving children. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

Elaine was born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, to the late Joseph and Priscilla Caravela. She was the beloved wife of Evaristo G. Cruz and they were married for 60 years, before he passed away in December 2022. Together, they built a wonderful life raising their six children.

Elaine was a devout Catholic and an avid reader. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles every morning, traveling and a nice glass of wine. Elaine loved spending her summers in Bay Head, New Jersey and her winters in Palm Beach, Florida. She was kind, loving and would give the best advice. Elaine was adored by everyone who met her. She lived her life for her family and was proud to always have her children and grandchildren around her. She will be deeply missed by all of them.

She is survived by her six children, Denise and her husband, Jim Serpico of Colts Neck, Evaristo Cruz of Jersey City, Karen and her husband, Tom Carson of Colts Neck, Leslie Cruz of Princeton, Tracy Cruz of Holmdel, and Michael Cruz of Holmdel. She is also survived by her three granddaughters, Alison, Kaitlyn and Jill, as well as her brother, Joseph Caravela and his wife, Marianne of West Caldwell. She was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Caravela.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 9:15am at the Church of St. Catharine in Holmdel. Ennichement will follow at Holmdel Cemetery, Holmdel.