Elaine Kolesar

Elaine "Cookie" Kolesar, 82 of Decatur Tennessee passed away Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at home. Elaine was born on March 16th, 1942 in Elizabeth, NJ. She lived, worked, and raised her family in Rahway, NJ before retiring to the Catskills in upstate New York in 2004. She spent the last 2 years living in Tennessee with her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, George J. Kolesar, in 2021, and her treasured daughter, Linda M. Freeman, in 2018.

Surviving are her cherished family: her daughter Laurie A. Huxford and husband Robert J. Huxford of Rahway, NJ; her grandchildren Jason J. Freeman and wife Angel Freeman of Decatur, TN, Mark A. Freeman Jr. and wife Taylor Freeman of Spotswood, NJ, Megan L.H. Hoffman and husband Kenny Hoffman of Philadelphia, PA, and Carly A. Huxford of Cranford, NJ; and her great-grandchildren Georgia, Claire, and Griffin Freeman, and Ellie Freeman.

She worked as a retail manager for her brother Jack's business for many years before becoming an administrative assistant at Gordon Construction where she worked until retiring.

Everyone who knew and loved Elaine knew her as Cookie. She was everyone's grandma. Cookie was full of life and love, and she lived every moment for her family. She was strong, fierce, and protective of everyone she loved. She was an avid reader, loved living in the mountains with George, shopping, eating sweets, spending time with her grandchildren, and playing 500 Rummy with her family. Cookie loved traveling to places like Montana and visiting casinos in Atlantic City and Tunica. Above all, being surrounded by her family was truly her greatest joy.

Family will be hosting a celebration of her life in New Jersey in June. Details to follow.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Elaine or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.