Elaine Triolo (nee Caracozzo) age 54 of Wayne died at home on Monday July 2, 2007 while surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born in Passaic and lived in Clifton before moving to Wayne 22 years ago. She graduated from Clifton High School in 1971 and attended William Paterson University where she received her B.A., M.A., as well as several addition certifications. Elaine always valued education and felt that continuing her schooling would allow her to be truly successful at her career. She was a teacher in the Clifton and Pompton Lakes School systems. Most recently, Elaine worked in the West Milford School District as a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant. She was involved with various learning disability groups, and aided the West Milford District on many special education driven committees. Her teaching career spanned nearly 25 years, patiently helping those with special learning needs. Elaine took great satisfaction from her work, and sincerely felt that she made a difference in children’s and families lives.

Elaine was one to always have a good time, regardless of the circumstances. She was always smiling and laughing. Her sense of humor is something that stood out. Everyone that knew her will never forget the jokes and sarcastic things she used to say. She truly enjoyed life while spending time with her family. Elaine felt that her family was her greatest accomplishment, always instilling those values in her children. Her favorite time of day was dinnertime because it was when Elaine, her husband, and children would sit together to eat, talk, and laugh. Her family was always together for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasions. Elaine’s favorite gathering was certainly Christmas Eve due to how special her mother made it, and then how her brother continued the tradition after their mother had passed. Elaine enjoyed getting out and doing things. One of her favorites was going to dinner and then to see a Broadway show. The Phantom of the Opera was hands down her favorite. Her children recall endless memories of time spent with their mother. In childhood, it was summer days spent at Tom’s Lake. As they grew older it was all the afternoon and weekend shopping trips. Most recently it was the time they spent down the shore with her in Lavallette. Elaine and her husband Joe were married for almost 31 years. They truly were a remarkable couple that loved spending as much time as possible together. They were best friends. Her husband’s favorite memories with his wife include their countless family vacations, Sunday mornings reading the paper and having coffee just the two of them, and of course their long walks on the beach. Elaine’s brother Bob had a special place in his heart for his little sister. He affectionately recalls memories from their childhood when he watched her ride her bike off the ten-foot wall outside their home in Clifton, as well as the time they tried to light a charcoal grill in the rain and he almost set her on fire. As adults, Bob’s fondest memories are of their families getting together and just hanging out.

One of Elaine’s crowning qualities was her baking. She was a wonderful baker who knew what every one’s favorite dessert was. She had the touch, because everything she made came out as well as, or better than a trained chef. Elaine also enjoyed cooking and swapping recipes with her brother or friends.

Elaine loved to travel. There was never a summer where she didn’t plan a trip somewhere with her family. The Jersey Shore was one of her favorite places, specifically Wildwood where she vacationed when she was a child. Later Lavallette became her beach of choice. Venturing outside of New Jersey, Elaine loved to travel to Florida. Her destinations of choice were Vero Beach and Disney World. Elaine’s traveling experience didn’t stop there though. Her favorite trips were the ones that took her out of th