Elissa Beth Lavroff

Obituary: Celebrating the Life of Elissa Beth Lavroff With profound love and respect, we honor the life and legacy of Elissa Beth Lavroff, affectionately known as Lisa, who passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, after a courageous struggle with dementia. Born on October 28, 1934, in Newark, New Jersey, Lisa graced this world with her warmth, humor, and unwavering love for her family and community. Lisa was the cherished daughter of James F. Cole and Gertrude Cole and was predeceased by her beloved sister, Charlotte Chalkley, and her devoted husband of many years, Richard E. Lavroff. Together, Lisa and Richard co-owned Deli-King Clark, a beloved community establishment that was more than a business; it was a reflection of their shared dedication and love for serving others. A proud graduate of Belleville High School, Class of 1950, Lisa initially pursued a career as a bookkeeper. However, her greatest joy and achievement came from nurturing her family, which she did with boundless dedication and love. A long-time member of Temple Beth Or-Beth Torah and their sisterhood, Lisa's faith was an integral part of her life. She also actively participated in the democratic process, serving as a member of the County Committee representing the Democratic Party in Clark, NJ. Lisa's legacy continues through the lives of her beloved children: Karen Lavroff Hawkins and her husband John; Jay Lavroff and his wife Pam; and Kenneth Lavroff and his partner Davida Berkowitz. Her grandchildren, Rachel R. Troutman, Nicholas Cole Hawkins, Rob Lavroff, Daniel Berkowitz, Jeremy Berkowitz, Alyssa, and Joshua Lavroff, along with her great-granddaughter Fern, will carry forward her spirit of love and generosity. Family gatherings were a hallmark of Lisa's life, where she welcomed everyone with open arms, making each occasion unforgettable. Her quiet generosity, warmth, and a wicked sense of humor left an indelible mark on all who knew her. A service to honor Lisa's memory will be held on March 5, 2026, at Temple Beth Or-Beth Torah, located at 111 Valley Road, Clark, NJ. The family invites all who knew and loved Lisa to join them in celebrating her remarkable life. For those unable to attend, a livestream link will be provided at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/), in memory of Lisa's brave battle with dementia. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding staff at Parker at Somerset and the Wellspring Community at Brightview Holmdel for their exceptional care and dedication during Lisa's final year. Lisa's life was a testament to the power of love, laughter, and community. As we remember her, let us carry forward her legacy by embracing each other with the same kindness and humor that she shared so freely. Her light will forever guide us.