ELAINE ELIZABETH SCHREITER – Obituary
Elaine Elizabeth Schreiter (née Simmons), age 71, of Washington Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Robert “Bob” W. Schreiter, with whom she shared 43 years of marriage since March 27, 1982. Cherished mother of Jamie Schreiter and Maggie Schreiter and loving mother-in-law to Christine Schreiter and Bill Henderson. Devoted grandmother to Alice Henderson, Darren Schreiter, and her late grandson, Bart Brandon Schreiter. Elaine was a dear sister to William Simmons, Helen Mammi, Steven Simmons, Janis Napoli, and the late Robert Simmons. She was the adored daughter of Jean Simmons (née Baker) and the late William F. Simmons, and a caring sister-in-law to Ronny Schreiter. Elaine also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Born on July 15, 1953, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Elaine was raised in Franklinville, and was a 1971 graduate of Delsea Regional High School. She had been a resident of Washington Township for the past 45 years, where she built a life grounded in family, community, and hard work.
Elaine’s professional career reflected her strong work ethic and diverse talents. She served as the front office secretary at Aura Badge and later at Dolinski & Sons Flower Farm in Franklinville, where her love for nature and community shone through. She was also a valued employee at both the Gloucester County Farm Bureau and the Gloucester County Land Preservation Office. Alongside her husband, Elaine successfully operated an eBay business for over two decades.
Deeply involved in her community, Elaine was a proud member of the Hurffville School PTO and actively participated in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She coached tee ball and was a Cub Scout den mother. Her love for antiques and reading—especially science fiction and fantasy—was well known to those closest to her. She was a passionate storyteller and her family loved her quick wit. She was also a talented athlete, playing first base on the B&M Softball Team for many years, including on a championship-winning squad. Elaine had an abiding love for the Philadelphia Phillies and enjoyed cheering on her team.
She and her husband spent many winters traveling throughout Florida in their motorhome, and they made frequent trips to Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks, where she found peace on the beach and joy in the surf. Elaine absolutely loved being a mother, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt. She enjoyed annual trips with all the kids to Storybook Land, the Ocean City Boardwalk, the Wildwood Boardwalk, and Garrison Lake. She loved adventure and enjoyed finding strange and unique spots to explore. She had a deep love for Christmas and had great fun decorating her house from floorboards to rafters every year. She adored Halloween (fitting as she considered herself a witch) and every fall would help to turn the Dolinski flower farm into a terrifying haunted house for their annual party. After her kids grew up, she loved to spend Halloween passing out candy while attempting to scare the trick-or-treaters (a gorilla suit was involved). She spent every New Year’s Eve at the Big House and every Memorial Day at MeatFest with her family and friends. She was dedicated to encouraging all the children in her life by attending as many of their recitals, games, shows and activities as possible. Ticket stubs and school play programs covered her refrigerator.
In recent years, Elaine dedicated herself to caring for her elderly mother, a testament to her nurturing spirit and unwavering devotion to family. Above all, Elaine treasured time spent with her grandchildren and took immense joy in being part of her nieces’ and nephews’ lives.
Elaine will be remembered for her warmth, strength, sense of humor, knowledge, selflessness and the deep love she gave to all those around her. Her legacy of kindness and commitment to family will live on in the many lives she touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 6 PM to 8 PM and again on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10 AM to 11 AM at the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME, 208 Maple Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at the funeral home. Elaine’s family encourages attendees to wear tie dye clothing and/or flashy brooches in her honor. Interment at Cedar Green Cemetery in Clayton. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.