Lorraine V.

Elia

Lorraine V. Elia (née McCormack), 73, passed away suddenly on February 3, 2026, due to complications from ALS, leaving behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and unwavering love for her family, students, and community.

Born on February 23, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, Lorraine was raised in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, where she graduated with honors from Cliffside Park High School in 1970. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, Bruce Elia. The two later attended The Ohio State University together before moving to Carmel, California, when Bruce began his professional football career. Lorraine earned her undergraduate degree from Ohio State and later completed her master's degree, beginning a lifelong career dedicated to health, fitness, and education. Lorraine and Bruce were married for 20 years and, even after their separation, remained close friends and devoted parents to their children.

Known to many as Lori, she spent 32 years as a beloved health and physical education teacher at Cliffside Park High School and was a familiar and encouraging presence at countless student games and athletic events. Beyond the classroom, she was an avid aerobics instructor in Tenafly, inspiring generations to stay active and confident. She also spent many summers at Camp Pontiac in upstate New York, serving as the boys' "Camp Mom" and teaching aerobics; roles that perfectly matched her natural ability to care for and connect with young people.

Lori was truly one of a kind — simply 1 of 1 — and spent her life loving her family, loving her friends, and supporting the young people around her. She was known for her discipline and unique internal clock, often rising at 4:00 a.m., and she prided herself on shining in the daytime hours.

She possessed a direct candor that was both refreshing and often unintentionally comical, saying exactly what she meant and never leaving anyone guessing where they stood. Fiercely loyal and endlessly generous, she gave freely of her time and energy. Her home and heart served as a safe space for countless young people who confided in her, trusting her ability to listen without judgment.

Despite a difficult childhood, Lori grew into an extraordinarily strong and resilient woman. She gave her all every single day and never complained, asking for little while offering so much to others.

An animal lover, Lori routinely rescued and cared for cats and loved quiet mornings spent watching the sunrise. She cherished time at the waterfront in Edgewater and in the Hamptons, happiest with the sun on her face, listening to songs from the 70's, and the water nearby. Proud of her Irish and Italian roots, she carried a fiery spirit while remaining deeply authentic and old school in the best sense — the kind of person people describe by saying, "They don't make them like that anymore."

She is survived by her former husband and lifelong friend, Bruce Elia; their four children: Tiffany Elia Hojo and her husband, Tyler Hojo; Ashley Elia Weller and her husband, Kyle Weller; Bruce Elia Jr.; and Brittany Elia and her fiancé, Elliot Livingston. She was a devoted grandmother to Logan, Dylan, and Harper Hojo; Jett, Emerson, and Owen Weller; and Blayke Elia, daughter of Bruce Elia Jr. and Mary Jo Valenza, all of whom brought her tremendous pride and joy.

A memorial gathering will be held at Macagna Funeral Home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Lori's life and share memories of the remarkable woman she was.

We will have a small memory table at the service to honor Mom's life.

We would be so touched if you could bring a photograph, a small object or something that reminds you of her to place on the table during the gathering.

There will also be space to write a note, memory, or letter to her — anything you'd like to say or remember. These can be kept private or left with her.

Your presence and your stories mean so much to us. Thank you for helping us celebrate the life she lived and the love she shared.

Forever, when the sun rises in the morning, Lori Elia will be watching down from heaven, smiling on the vastly positive impact she has made on so many people, and most importantly, her family.