Elaine Barbara Oshust

Elaine Barbara Oshust, 76, a lifelong resident of Union County, passed away at the University hospital in Newark, NJ on April 15th with her immediate family by her side. 

Elaine became a resident of Cranford in 1976 when she and her husband John found their home.  She resided in their home for 47 years, becoming only the second family to own it. 

Elaine is the only daughter of Steven and Julia Sasala, born in July of 1946. 

 Elaine graduated from Linden High School in 1964.  Having worked as a clerk for the Linden Board of Education for 3 plus years while attending evening classes at Newark State College (presently known as Kean University) for two years and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1970. 

She taught for 23 plus years at Schools 7 and School 2 at Deerfield School, retiring in 1993. 

She is predeceased by her parents Steven and Julia Sasala as well as her beloved husband John Oshust.

She served on several committees on the PTA while caring for her mother and holding a part-time job in Cranford for 5 years.  She joined the College Women’s Club of Cranford in 2003, the Garden Club of Westfield in 2013, and Ignite United Methodist Church of Kenilworth . 

She has been a member/volunteer and treasurer for United Methodist Church.

Elaine was an animal lover, having had many pets throughout her life, a nature lover, and cared deeply about the environment. 

She leaves behind her son, Anatoly and daughter in-law Kimberly, and her hound dogs Willie and Chase, as well as her brother Robert Sasala and his wife Denise and niece Brianna Sasala and nephew Brett Sasala. 

Elaine will be missed, and will always be remembered as a caring person to others. God bless her and may she rest in peace.

*Memorial donations may be made to: Associated Humane Societies, Popcorn Park, PO Box 43, Forked River NJ 08731-0043, www.ahscares.org.