I, Elaine Bennett, died on September 18, 2016 at home. My family and I moved to Amherst, NH forty years ago from NJ. Living here more than half my life, I feel it was my home.
I am survived by four siblings, my brother Joseph Eugene Jursa of Atlanta GA, Audrey Jursa Sanderlin of Highlands Ranch, CO, Ellen Jursa Krupa of Colts Neck, NJ, and my twin Eileen Jursa Harrison of Philadelphia PA. Our parents were Joseph Jursa and Isabel Muns Jursa. All of us, except my dad were born in Harrison NE.
Throughout my life I have been sustained by love. For 59 years, my husband James Bennett and I have shared a deep and abiding love - one that was strengthened by the birth of our two children, Richard and Scott. Raising and nuturing them into the wonderful sons and men they have become has been a joy for us. It has been enhanced by the bonds they formed with their loving spouses, Richard's husband BJ Dunn and Scott's wife Leslie Yingling. Our love deepened yet again with the birth of our two grandsons, Joseph and Henry, both of whom are special and magnificent beyond compare in our eyes. In addition, we have had the good fortune to celebrate our lives with many nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
My world has been further enriched by the love of dear friends, from ones I've kept in touch with since high school to those I've made here in NH through the Amherst Book Club and the Friends of the Amherst Town Library.
Finally, my love of books has provided me with wonderfully rich experiences and insights. Opening a book and sharing journeys, struggles, and celebrations with authors willing to open their hearts and souls in their writings - be it trips across the prairies, struggles through hard times, celebrating the natural wonder of our world, or simply enjoying the fullness of life - has meant the world to me.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either The Friends of the Amherst Town Library or SHARE in Milford, NH.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at the Amherst Congregational Church in Amherst, NH on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at 11am.