Obituaries

Elaine Marie Pfeffer Strang

September 28, 1937 - April 11, 2026

Elaine Marie Pfeffer (née Strang), age 88, of Elmer, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at the Center of Rehabilitation and Nursing of Washington Township. Born on September 28, 1937, in Camden, New Jersey, Elaine Marie Strang was the beloved daughter of the late Harry Kemmerle Strang and Lydia Sophia Horton. Elaine attended Wesley College, where she earned her associate’s degree. It was there that she met the love of her life, George C. Pfeffer, Jr. The couple was united in marriage on October 12, 1957, at Epworth Methodist Church in Palmyra, New Jersey, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose. On April 25, 1966, Elaine and George welcomed their beloved daughter, Michele D. Pfeffer, into their lives through adoption. Becoming a mother was one of Elaine’s greatest joys, and from that moment forward, she embraced motherhood with love and devotion. Elaine and Michele shared a deep and enduring bond, growing to become not only mother and daughter, but the very best of friends throughout their lives. Elaine was an avid supporter of the Schalick High School Marching Band and the Elmer Swim Team. She faithfully attended all her daughter Michele’s games and meets, never missing an opportunity to cheer her on. A trumpet player herself during her high school years, Elaine encouraged Michele to pursue music as well. Even during the busiest years running the bakery, she always made time to be present at Michele’s activities, offering unwavering support and pride. Together, Elaine and George proudly owned and operated Pfeffer’s Bakery in Elmer, New Jersey. They dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their business and community, working tirelessly to create delicious baked goods that brought joy to generations of customers. Elaine spent countless hours icing cupcakes, assembling cookie trays, and preparing a wide variety of treats. As the welcoming face of the bakery, she managed the storefront with warmth and kindness, greeting each customer with a smile and offering favorites such as spiced cupcakes, cream-filled donuts, lemon meringue pies, cinnamon buns and an array of homemade cookies. During the slower moments at the bakery, Elaine would often play the piano. Many customers would pause their visits just to listen, enjoying the warmth and comfort of her music while they waited for their treats. Elaine had a deep love for the Jersey Shore and cherished many family vacations in Ocean City, New Jersey, where she found peace and happiness by the ocean. She was an active member of Elmer United Methodist Church, where she especially loved singing the hymns, sharing her beautiful voice with the congregation. She was also a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi, an international, non-academic women’s friendship network, where she formed lasting friendships and was active within the Elmer, New Jersey community. A devoted Philadelphia sports fan, Elaine especially loved cheering on the Phillies and the Eagles. She rarely missed a game and enthusiastically supported her teams through every season. She also enjoyed participating in weekly football pools and filling out basketball brackets during March Madness. Elaine found joy in life’s simple pleasures-taking walks outdoors, relaxing in her rocking chair while watching the world go by, and spending meaningful time with her daughters, Michele and Shannon. Together, they enjoyed watching their favorite game shows and television programs, creating cherished memories. Elaine is survived by her loving daughter, Michele D. Pfeffer and her wife, Shannon Evans; her nieces, Cynthia Evoy and Ingrid Knox and her husband, Warren Knox; and her nephew, Karl Evoy. In addition to her husband, George C. Pfeffer, Jr, Elaine was predeceased by her beloved sister, Hildegarde Evoy, and her parents, Harry Kemmerle Strang and Lydia Sophia Horton. Elaine will be remembered for her warmth, her strong work ethic, her love of family, and the joy she brought to her community through both her kindness, her music, and her generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and sweet memories that will be treasured by all who knew her.