Elaine C. Effinger

Even the great fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier knew that “elegance is a question of personality, more than one’s clothes.” From the days in her youth when Elaine donned the finest clothing as a runway model, to more recently when she could still stop a room simply by entering it, her appearance was nothing short of spectacular. But her elegance transcended her attire. Her home in Edgewater Park was an extension of her perfect manners, demeanor and etiquette. Not only was it exquisite, the living room lacked one important feature, a TV. Elaine would rather entertain her guests herself. She proudly voted for every Democrat from Trumann to Obama and tirelessly volunteered with her husband with local groups. Whether it was the Democratic Club or various women’s groups, she always supported the cause, but loved the chance to socialize. rnElaine’s story cannot be told alone, it must be shared with her late husband, Mahlon. As teenagers they met on a cousin’s farm in Lincoln, Delaware and immediately became inseparable. They lived in Burlington County for 51 years, and together they always emitted a sense of class. When they walked into a room everyone noticed, but when they took to the dance floor everyone was happy to watch, even their feet were in sync. Before his passing in 1999, the two were blessed by their children: Michael (Barbara) of Pennsylvania, Kimberly Leek (Herman) of Riverside, and Mark of Edgewater Park, and again by their grandchildren: Eric Effinger (Ly), Keith Effinger, Rebecca Leek (Scott Maning), Joshua Leek, Jeremy Leek and Amanda Effinger, and great-grandchildren: Alexander Effinger, Madison Effinger, Sienna Ly Effinger and Julian Manning.rnAs per Elaine’s wishes, she was cremated, and her 85 elegant years (March 22, 1925-Feb. 10, 2011) were celebrated privately. Memorial gifts may be made in her name to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Dr., Suite 300, Marlton, NJ 08053. Arrangements by the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. rn –