Elaine B. Denman

Elaine Burgio Denman passed away on January 5, 2021, at home surrounded by her family. She lived her life in Caldwell, born at home on April 17, 1925, and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School in June 1943. Elaine graduated from Montclair Teachers' College in June 1947 with a BA in both education and history. As World War II came to an end, she married her high school sweetheart, Douglass J. Denman, in 1945. They resided in West Caldwell, then North Caldwell for 40 years, and Roseland since 1996. For over 50 years, Elaine and her family enjoyed summers in Normandy Beach, NJ, playing tennis, beachcombing and enjoying family and friends.

After college, Elaine taught in the North Caldwell Grammar School and continued to teach while raising her family by substituting at St. Aloysius Grammar School. Elaine was an officer of S.A. Burgio, Inc., a company her father founded. She also started her own business, Game & Set Tennis Shop in Normandy Beach, NJ.

Volunteering in various capacities throughout the community was a privilege for Elaine. She was a member of the West Essex Housing Authority which procured housing for returning veterans after World War II. She was involved in the League of Women Voters for 10 years, chairing many committees and was one of the founders of the LWV's Evening Department. Elaine was elected to the North Caldwell Republican County Committee and also served as the editor of the Essex County Young Republican monthly newsletter. As a member of St. Aloysius Parish, she belonged to the Rosary Society for 30 years. Elaine enjoyed leading Brownie and Girl Scout troops for 20 years, drove for Meals on Wheels for 26 years and was a founding member of the North Caldwell Historical Society. She was especially devoted to the Women's Club of Caldwell where she was an active member for over 60 years, serving in various positions. As president of the Women's Club in 1976, she organized the entire West Essex Bicentennial Celebration which was a weekend festival throughout the six towns. Elaine supported the Parents' Association of Mount Saint Dominic Academy and served as co-chair of various fundraising events for 10 years. She was proud to be inducted into the Mount Saint Dominic Academy Hall of Fame in 2006.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, Douglass J. Denman in 2018. She is survived by her four daughters and their families: Diane Jenkins (David), Janice Philips, Mary-Beth Thompson (Scott) and Ellen Denman (Bob Bertoli); eleven grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam), David (Brooke), Elizabeth (Bryan), Douglass, Michael (Kaitlyn), Bill (Maggie), Jimmy, Tyler (Allison), Mark (Kelly), Brett (Alyssa) and Eileen; and six great-grandchildren, Nathan, Ada, Michael, Jack, Walter and Phoebe.

A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Aloysius Church, 210 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell on Friday, January 8 at 12:45 pm. Attendance is limited to 100, facial masks and social distancing will be strictly observed. The interment will be held at the family plot in Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass. The church service and cemetery prayers will be live-streamed for your comfort and to provide an opportunity to be involved in the celebration of Elaine's life.

Please check www.proutfuneralhome.com for details for live-streaming or to leave condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org), Clean Ocean Action (CleanOceanAction.org) or Mt. St. Dominic Academy (MSDAcademy.org).