Jill Strauss

Jill Allen Strauss, age 70, of North Haledon, NJ passed away peacefully on August 26, 2022.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest of twin daughters to Harriet Goldstein and Albert Allen, Jill attended elementary and junior high school in the Bronx, alongside twin sister Fran and older brother Jeffrey, where she found a circle of lifelong friends and discovered a passion for acting. Every Saturday, Jill would travel by subway from the Bronx to NYC with her devoted mother and sister Fran so she could take method acting classes at The Ansonia Theatre on 73rd St.

Following the passing of her father, Jill’s mother Harriet married Ralph Rizzo, a Marine veteran with two children Charles and Janise. The blended family then settled in New Milford, NJ, where city girl Jill had to adjust to life as a Jersey girl.

On a summer night along the Jersey Shore, Jill met her husband Deke as he fronted a rock band and Jill was studying speech at Montclair State University. During their 47-year marriage, they raised two children, daughter Daryn and son Joshua, with a love of music, drama, and constant laughter, settling in Wayne, NJ. Jill’s love and dedication to her family soared through every moment of her life. From the backstages of smoky bars to weddings to dance recitals to film shoots, Jill was always there, making sure everyone was OK.

A leader and problem solver with a huge heart, Jill was known for her infectious smile and for getting things done. A Former President of the National Association of Insurance Women (NAIW), Jill managed large books of commercial and personal insurance lines across New Jersey for over 35 years. Jill’s entrepreneurial spirit also saw her successfully run her own business, bridal gift store Expressions. She is remembered fondly by thousands of couples all over NJ for her kindness during the planning of their weddings over the course of 10+ years.

A radiant personality with the feisty soul and strength of a movie heroine, Jill’s heart and compassion were felt by everyone who crossed paths with her. She will be lovingly remembered for her ability to bring joy and warmth to every room she entered and as a fierce advocate for everyone around her.

Jill was a longtime member of High Mountain Church where her desire to help people led her to many different areas of ministry ranging from Sunday School teacher to Compassionate Ministry leader to Church Board elder and Maranatha Church of the Nazarene where her brother and sister are pastors and where Jill served as a Sunday School teacher.

Jill is predeceased by her brother Jeff and will be greatly missed by her husband Dennis, children Daryn and Joshua, sisters Fran and Janise, brother Charles, her many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and grand nephews who love their silly aunt, and her congregations at High Mountain Church and Maranatha Church of the Nazarene.

To honor Jill, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.