Elena Rosemarie Otto

Elena Otto, age 84, of Lake Worth Florida and formerly of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 19, 2024 while receiving the love of her family.

Elena was the second-born child of Dominick and Fannie (Ognibane) Attanasio. She was raised in Brooklyn, NY and later moved to Queens, NY. 

After graduating from high school in 1956, Elena attended college and later became a bank teller. It was while working at the bank that she met her husband Edward. Because of his persistent pursuit, they began dating. They fell in love and ultimately married on April 23, 1958. After a honeymoon in the Bahamas, they began life in an apartment in Flushing Queens. While living there, they were blessed with their firstborn, a son who they named Edward. They later purchased a home located at 24 Dupont Terrace in Wayne where the stork delivered them another baby, this time a girl which they named Linda. Elena moved once again, this time to a condominium on Schindler Lane in Wayne. She remained their until moving to Lake Worth, Florida in March of 2023 to be near her daughter Linda. 

For over twenty years, Elena served as the court administrator and worked in the violations department for the Township of Wayne. She was so much loved and respected for her great work that she attempted to retire multiple times before making it permanent. Every time she tried, the town would beg her to come back. She enjoyed her work and the camaraderie of her work mates but she also enjoyed the frequent opportunities for traveling adventures that retirement allowed. Her trips included cruises and numerous bus trips with the seniors. 

Elena was an active soul who enjoyed frequent walks to get fresh air and stay fit as a fiddle. She was an avid reader who especially gravitated towards mystery novels. Her need to serve others was channeled through her volunteer service with the Ladies Auxiliary of Wayne Fire Department.

Elena’s faith was dear to her and for many years before moving to Florida, she regularly attended Mass at Holy Cross Church and later at Our Lady of Consolation Church, both of Wayne. 

Elena had a heart of gold and a quick wit that caused family friends and strangers to gravitate toward the warmth of her heart, big smile and personality. She laughed a lot and lived life with a cheerful heart, always finding the best in all whose life path crossed hers. 

Elena was the loving mother of Edward Otto of Castle Rock, Colorado and Linda Otto of Lake Worth, Florida; dear sister of the late Dominick Attanasio, and the late Joseph Attanasio; dear sister-in-law of Mary Madlyn Attanasio and the late Amelia Attanasio. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Debbie, Mark, Peggy, Cindy, Dominick, Travis and Katelyn.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Elena’s name are asked to consider one of the following charitable organizations:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959

Property Owners League Fire Co. No. 2, Inc.

P.O. Box 1

Wayne, NJ 07470