Elvara Kriska

Elvara "Elly" G. Kriska, age 86, of Matawan, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, to the late John and Elvara Nelson, Elly later moved to New Jersey, where she settled in Matawan with her beloved husband, the late John Kriska Sr.

Elly was a devoted homemaker who poured her heart into caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and laughter. Nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by those she loved most.

Elly was predeceased by her husband of 28 years, John Kriska Sr.; her son, Darel Kriska; and her brother, Theodore Nelson.

She is survived by her son, John Kriska Jr. and his wife, Patricia; her daughter-in-law, Amy Kriska; her grandchildren, John Kriska III and his wife, Elizabeth, Camille Spezzi and her husband, Carmen Jr., Philip Kriska and Charles Kriska; her great-grandchildren, Grace and Carmen Spezzi III; her sister-in-law, Helen Nelson; her niece, Karen Stiles; her nephews, Theodore and Riley Nelson, as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Elly's memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Calling hours at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home, 15 Cherry Lane, Parlin, will be on Monday, from 9am to 11am.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11am on Monday at the funeral home, with a prayer service from First Presbyterian Church. A burial will follow at Woodbridge Memorial Gardens in Woodbridge, NJ.

Complete arrangements, directions, and messages of condolence may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.