Obituary of Mary Jane Elfant

Mary Jane “Monet” Elfant (née Bambach) passed peacefully with family by her side on Friday, April 8, 2022. She was born August 9, 1936, in Hackensack, NJ to Alvina Bambach (née Zimmerman) and Adam Bambach.

She began her career as an LPN but spent more time and found more enjoyment from her role as a long-term substitute teacher. She was especially fond of working with the ESL students at Rutherford High School. While living in Rutherford, she was an active member of the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood, serving as its president, and was also active in her local Hadassah chapter.

Aside from her family, her greatest passion was for her family home in Rock Hill, NY. A lake house her parents built in 1932 on Wanaksink Lake, where her father was a founding member, was always her happy place. Other than spending time with her family, nothing brought her more joy than walking through the woods, building her rock walls, tending to her property and sitting on the dock. She instilled that deep love and commitment to Wanaksink Lake in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jane was predeceased by her parents and many dear friends. She is survived by her loving children Susan (Barry) Levant, of Mountain Lakes, NJ; Adam Elfant of Voorhees, NJ; and Adina Elfant (Joshua Weiss) of East Longmeadow, MA. Her nine grandchildren Jared, Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Hannah, Michaela, Kayla, Aylee, and Talya, will miss her antics and her great grandchildren Asher, Mira, Rina, Kenzie, Nash, Abigail, Tom, and Levi will miss the opportunity of growing up with their Monet. She is also survived by her cousins Carole and Judy Fortenbach, Linda and Nancy Richter and her lifelong friend and neighbor from Wanaksink, Joyce Moshier. She will also be dearly missed by all of the family dogs who she spoiled unapologetically.

A private burial was held at Grahamsville Rural Cemetery and a celebration of life will follow this summer at Wanaksink Lake. Memorial donations can be made to the Sullivan County ASPCA, 104 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill, NY 12775.

Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com .