Elinor Adele (Losso) Dewees

Elinor Adele Dewees, 97, died peacefully at her daughter’s home in Clark, New Jersey on November 11, 2022, Veteran’s Day, the same day her father passed forty years prior.

Elinor was born in New Brunswick on June 8, 1925 to parents Giocondo ‘Jack’ and Silvia Zardus Losso. She attended Highland Park Schools graduating from Highland Park High School in 1944. While in school, she was nicknamed ‘Red’ due to her red hair. She attended business school and worked in New York City before marrying and being a mother of three children. Elinor resided in Highland Park for eighty-four years. She had much pride in her home, community and country, having special enthusiasm for politics.

Elinor was employed by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Engineering Department as Senior File Clerk for twenty-three years before retiring in 1991. She proudly served as shop steward of Local Union 194 and later, executive board grievance chairperson.

Her retirement years were enjoyed with many activities that she shared with family and friends. She enjoyed attending parades, ceremonies honoring veterans, lunching with friends, and taking her grandchildren to see The Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. She loved cooking and having her family to Thanksgiving dinner, her favorite holiday. Grandchildren looked forward to her tin of homemade Christmas cookies every year.

Elinor is survived by her devoted daughter and caregiver Diane Starzynski, son William and daughter-in-law Deborah, and daughter-in-law Patricia Dewees.

‘Grandma Red’ is also survived by five beloved grandchildren: Robyn Sabo (Chris), Katie Sickles and husband Jeff, William Dewees III (Risa), Jonathan Dewees and wife Kristen, Christian Starzynski (Nicolet). Six great grandchildren completed her loving circle: Aiden, Ryan and Avery Sabo, and Jack, Lily and Tyler Sickles.

Elinor was predeceased by her son Robert, son-in-law Thomas Starzynski, and her sister Rita Losso Sullivan.

A private family memorial is planned. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a favorite charity in Elinor’s name can be made.

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