Elly Lee

Elly Lee, 88, of Oakland Park, FL Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Centra-State Medical Center, Freehold, New Jersey.

Elly was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and in the early 1970s, she bravely moved with her four young children, making East Brunswick, New Jersey her home.

Lee was a force of nature, strong, independent, and endlessly determined. In the small town of Spotswood, New Jersey, she built something remarkable: Lee's Diner. As owner, cook, waitress, and everything in between, she poured her heart into that little diner. Her sharp tongue, quick wit, and unmistakable charm made her unforgettable to the customers who adored her. And her famous Won Ton Soup, celebrated even in the New York Times, became a local legend.

Life changed beautifully when she met the love of her life, Robert Kazar. With Bob, she embraced a new chapter, one filled with adventure, joy, and a passport full of stamps. Together they traveled the world, returning again and again to places like China, Indonesia, and Hawaii. When they married, Lee also welcomed the "Kazar Klan" five children and a growing number of grandchildren, many of whom were born after their marriage and knew her only as "Nana," a title she cherished deeply.

Lee shared her Indonesian heritage with the family in the most loving and memorable ways. She introduced everyone to her famous godu-godu always singing the playful song that went with it and her beloved chicken lo mein, dishes that became staples at family gatherings. When she longed for a place that reminded her of home, Kenny built her a screen house in the woods so she could watch Indonesian TV and listen to her music outdoors. She proudly called it "Little Indonesia," and it became one of her happiest places.

Her relationships with each family member were filled with their own special rituals. Randy Kazar would sing Elvis songs to her, because she adored Elvis, and his voice never failed to make her laugh, she adored his children Travis and Kimberly along with Randy's wife Stella. She made everything extra hot for Bobby Kazar, knowing he loved spicy food and always looked forward to seeing Bobby's wife Pam and children Tiffany, Cassandra and Bobby Jr. And she never missed a chance to tease Scott Kazar, affectionately calling him "the good-looking one." and always said that Scott's wife Diane was lucky to have a good-looking man. These small, tender moments became the threads that wove her into the heart of the family.

Lee and Bob eventually settled in Cape Coral, Florida, where they enjoyed retirement surrounded by Bob's siblings. Later, they moved to Oakland Park, just five houses away from Bob's daughter Sandee and Son In-law Rick Veitch, where Bob & Lee were enjoying daily family gathering for lunch or dinner and always delighted watching their grandson Jack play basketball and in the simple, precious rhythm of family life.

After Bob's passing, Lee returned to New Jersey to be close to Kenny, Chrissy, and their children, Nicole, Natalie, and Kenny. During this time, she and Chrissy formed a true mother and daughter bond, one built on love, trust, and daily companionship. Lee quickly became a beloved part of Parkers Daycare, where she looked forward to spending time each day, bringing her warmth, humor, and unmistakable spark to everyone around her.

Lee is also survived by three of her four children. She leaves behind a profound emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, a space now filled with the countless beautiful memories she created. Her legacy is one of resilience, love, laughter, culture, and a life lived fully and on her own terms. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends may call on Sunday, January 18th, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Spotswood Funeral Home, 475 Main Street, Spotswood, New Jersey. Committal services will be held privately.