Elaine Richards Masters

February 29, 2020

Elaine R. Masters, age 92, went home to be with the Lord on February 29, 2020 at home with her family by her side. Born in 1928 to the late Milton R. and Altha R. Hitchner. She was preceded in death by her first husband Mayor Robert E. Richards who passed away in 1981. Elaine is survived by her husband Thomas D. Masters Sr.; sons Robert M. (Beverly) and Stephen A. (Trina) Richards of Elmer, her grandchildren, R. Matthew (Jennifer) Richards of Elmer, NJ; Andrea Babcock of Columbus, MO; Elena (Brad) Wentz of Pennsville, NJ; and Christina Richards of Elmer, NJ; her great grandchildren Alexis, Connor, Dean, Tyler, Allison, & Logan. Three step children Kathleen Dezio (Richard) of Alexandria, VA; Thomas Masters Jr. (Carol) of Austin TX, and Dr. Scott Masters of Honolulu HI, and two step grandchildren Cameron and Thomas Dezio of Alexandria, VA. Elaine graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1945 and attended nursing training at Cooper Hospital School of Nursing graduating in 1948 where she was a member of the Navy Cadet Nursing Corps. She began her career at Newcomb Hospital and was the second nurse hired at the new Elmer Community Hospital when it opened in 1950 and remained employed there for the rest of her career retiring from that hospital as a Nursing Supervisor in 1993. She was chosen by the State of New Jersey to participate in the Harvard Nursing Health Study in which she participated for the rest of her life. A lifelong resident of Elmer, Elaine led a life of service to her community. She volunteered her time throughout her life. During WWII she was a plane spotter for the Army Air Forces Ground Observer Corps, and worked with the Salvation Army Canteen at Millville Airport & volunteered at Thomas England General Hospital on the board walk of Atlantic City. In later life, she volunteered with many organizations including Ranch Hope, Elmer Board of Health, Red Cross Blood Bank, the Election Board, and the local historical society. Elaine was proud to be a lifelong member of the Elmer United Methodist church where she served as trustee, church historian, attended Sunday school, played the piano, sang in the choir, and at the time of her death, was the longest surviving member of the church. Elaine enjoyed her family, her church, her travels, which spanned many parts of the world, reading, playing the piano, and going to the beach in Ocean City, NJ. She will be remembered and missed by her family and friends as a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, friend, kind soul, gentle heart, and an example of a life well lived. A viewing will be held at Elmer United Methodist Church, 21 S. Main St., Elmer, 08318 on Friday, March 6, 2020 at 10 AM with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM followed by internment at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elmer United Methodist Church. www.adamsfuneralhome.org