Delores J. Elsenbeck

Delores J. Elsenbeck, age 90, of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Born in Utica, NY, Delores and her husband Jim later moved to Audubon, PA, where they raised their family while she built a successful career as a real estate broker. In time, her love for the coast drew her to the Jersey Shore, where she first lived in Ship Bottom and then Surf City settling in Manahawkin, which she called home for the past seven years. Delores and Jim also treasured their winters in Ft. Myers, FL, embracing the sunshine, time on the golf course, and the vibrant community life they shared with many dear friends.

Delores had a warm, social spirit and truly loved being around people. She enjoyed staying active and involved, whether participating in the local women’s club, laughing with friends over board games, or gathering with neighbors and family. She was especially proud of leading and instructing the Healthy Bones program, an initiative that reflected her passion for helping others stay healthy and active.

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was watching her roses bloom in the garden, setting sail on cruises with family, and cheering on her favorite teams, the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. Time spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her the greatest happiness.

A devoted parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Church for more than 30 years, Delores volunteered faithfully at the church food pantry and was an active member of the Surf City Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Her kindness, energy, and welcoming presence made a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Delores was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, James R. Elsenbeck, in 2020, her son, Michael Elsenbeck, in 2021, and her sister, Eileen Franklin, in 2003.

She is survived by her three loving children: Stephen and his wife Carol; Jim and his wife Michelle; and Lauren; as well as her daughter-in-law, Debbie. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Michael, Matthew, Stephen, Kaitlin, Kevin, Jimmy, Dave, Megan, Bryan, Karalea, Amylyn, Juliette, and Savannah, and a cherished great-grandmother to fourteen great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she delighted in every moment spent with them.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 16 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Brant Beach, NJ 08008. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, 283 Beachview Ave., Manahawkin, NJ 08050.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Surf City Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in honor of Delores Elsenbeck.