Name: Memorial service for Elaine Bennett
Start: 2016-10-29T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-10-29T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Amherst Congregational Church

Elaine Bennett

Amherst, NH

I, Elaine Bennett, died on September 18, 2016 at home. My family and I moved to Amherst, NH forty years ago from NJ. Living here more than half my life, I feel it was my home.

I am survived by four siblings, my brother Joseph Eugene Jursa of Atlanta GA, Audrey Jursa Sanderlin of Highlands Ranch, CO, Ellen Jursa Krupa of Colts Neck, NJ, and my twin Eileen Jursa Harrison of Philadelphia PA. Our parents were Joseph Jursa and Isabel Muns Jursa. All of us, except my dad were born in Harrison NE.

Throughout my life I have been sustained by love. For 59 years, my husband James Bennett and I have shared a deep and abiding love - one that was strengthened by the birth of our two children, Richard and Scott. Raising and nuturing them into the wonderful sons and men they have become has been a joy for us. It has been enhanced by the bonds they formed with their loving spouses, Richard's husband BJ Dunn and Scott's wife Leslie Yingling. Our love deepened yet again with the birth of our two grandsons, Joseph and Henry, both of whom are special and magnificent beyond compare in our eyes. In addition, we have had the good fortune to celebrate our lives with many nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

My world has been further enriched by the love of dear friends, from ones I've kept in touch with since high school to those I've made here in NH through the Amherst Book Club and the Friends of the Amherst Town Library.

Finally, my love of books has provided me with wonderfully rich experiences and insights. Opening a book and sharing journeys, struggles, and celebrations with authors willing to open their hearts and souls in their writings - be it trips across the prairies, struggles through hard times, celebrating the natural wonder of our world, or simply enjoying the fullness of life - has meant the world to me.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either The Friends of the Amherst Town Library or SHARE in Milford, NH.

A memorial service will be held at the Amherst Congregational Church in Amherst, NH on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 from 11am to 2pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press on Sep. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Bennett

Sponsored by Cremation Society of New Hampshire - Manchester.

15 Entries

Paul Krupa

October 20, 2016

Dear Auntie,

This was your favorite video.

https://youtu.be/beTAKBGBydI

I have dedicated to you...until we meet again.

Love Paul

Paul Karpowicz

October 8, 2016

My condolences to the family from a "Marlboro" neighbor and classmate from Class of 1956, Freehold H.S.

Nancy Pierce

September 27, 2016

I remember Elaine from many years ago --in HighSchool.n She and I were in my sister Carolyn's wedding. She was a true and special friend to my sister for all these many years before and since. She will be missed.

Terri and Bruce Sanderlin

September 25, 2016

Over the years we always looked forward to Aunt Elaine's birthday cards and letters. She was such a special woman who had a passion for caring and learning. We wish that so many miles had not separated us over these many years. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

Paul Groipen

September 23, 2016

Todd and I are sorry for your loss. Rich, it always brings a smile when I hear about the Advent Calendar, and the tradition that you shared with your mom. You are a wonderful son. Your mom must have been proud that you also enjoyed reading.....you have her kind smile as well.... Love to your family

Nancy Hanner

September 23, 2016

I only met Elaine once, years ago when Rich and I graduated from college. When my own mother died, I asked Rich, "Do you think your mother would adopt me?" because I had heard such wonderful stories about Elaine, who sounded like the perfect mother. I received an e mail shortly after from Elaine that said, "I have always wanted a daughter," which began a pen pal relationship that lasted over 20 years. Elaine was there to offer advice, a listening ear, a good laugh, a recipe, a shared poem or book, a thoughtfully and artfully wrapped gift, all with an open hearted kindness. Having been the recipient of her love and generosity, I hope I will be able to rise to her example as I move forward to a life without her. My sympathy to all who read this and are also feeling this loss.

Grace McGrath

September 23, 2016

Dearest BJ and Rich- I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Mom. My thoughts and prayers reach across the country to comfort you and give you strength. My she Rest In Peace.

Veronica Robinson

September 22, 2016

I never had the pleasure of meeting Elaine but I have been friends with her son Rich for something like thirty years. Through his stories, I feel like I know the entire family and know how deeply Elaine will be missed. My sincere condolences and sympathies as they navigate through this difficult time.

Jan Madigan

September 21, 2016

I have so many wonderful memories of Elaine from gardening, quilting, friends of the library, but, most especially our book club. Elaine and I met about twenty-six years ago at the Amherst Library at a Humanities Council book discussion group. When that ended after three years, Elaine, Paula Schmida, and I decided that with our love of reading, we would like to continue meeting so we started a book club which, naturally, we called The Amherst Book Club which is still going strong after twenty-three years. Elaine with her insight, quiet demeanor, and caring ways will truly be missed in our community. With love to Jim and her family.

Daryl Banner

September 21, 2016

The gentle touch of Elaine's presence will always be with those of us lucky enough to have enjoyed her friendship. Hopefully the family she treasured is comforted by that love.
Together we could laugh and cry with abandon. A true example of a best friend.
My sincere sympathy to her family.

Scott Trudo

September 21, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jim, and with your family. I have fond memories of my neighbor, Elaine. I recall how much she brightened up my day with her contagious smile and kind words. She always had a positive comment to offer. Elaine Bennett will be missed by our Country Mansion community and beyond.

Amy Lapointe

September 21, 2016

I vividly remember the day that Elaine showed up at the library, windex in hand, to clean our windows. Because they really needed it. I should have been embarrassed, but Elaine was so kind and non-judgemental that I just felt appreciative to have her in our community.
You will be missed at the Amherst Town Library, Elaine.

Margaret Magnus

September 21, 2016

I used to tell Elaine that I wanted to be like her when I grew up, and it's true. It's her example of profound kindness and depth of spirit that I learned so much from. All my warmest thoughts to her beautiful family.

Troy Germain Jason Ingersoll

September 21, 2016

A true sign of the love of a mother can be seen through her children. I consider Rich one of my dearest friends. He shares her love and strength every day. Our condolences to the family. Although I've never met Elaine, her love and kindness shows through Rich every day. Troy Germain & Jason Ingersoll

Ken and Pat Calabria

September 20, 2016

We remember Elaine fondly and recall vividly when she and Jim moved into Country Mansion Condominiums and almost immediately hosted a celebration on the porch of the mansion. She will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences to Jim and the rest of the family.
Peace,
Ken and Pat Calabria

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