Muriel Elsmore (née Rainey), 87, a lifelong resident of Kearny who recently moved to Toms River, passed away on December 10, 2025.
Muriel was the beloved wife of the late Joe Elsmore and a dear friend to so many. She will be fondly remembered for her Kearny High School cheerleading days—she never stopped cheering for all of us, even well into her 80s. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Muriel loved sunshine, laughter, and caring for others before herself.
She was employed by Jeffrey Symeonides Insurance for 25 years before retiring to care for her grandchildren, a role she cherished as the most meaningful “career” of her life. In 1993 she was inducted into the Kearny High School Hall of Fame as Kardinal of the Year, and both she and her husband Joe were honored for their many years of dedication and service to the Kearny Booster Club.
Muriel is survived by her four children: Barbara Doran (and her late husband Andy), Joseph M. Elsmore (and his wife Nancy), Robert A. Elsmore (and his wife Abby), and Alan D. Elsmore (and his fiancée Heather Murray). She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren—Ricky, Rita, Nicole, Joey, Shannon, Caelan, Marley, Delaney, and Jesse—and her great-grandchildren Noah, Delaney, Jaida, and Jenna.
She is survived as well by her sisters-in-law Elizabeth Elsmore and Peggy Bianchi; her brothers-in-law Jack Elsmore and George Harris; and many nieces and nephews who adored her.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph, her brothers James Rainey and Robert Rainey, her sisters Beatrice Tomeo and Emma Kaywork, her brothers-in-law Richard (Gary) Elsmore, William Elsmore, Alfonso Tomeo, and Ira Kaywork, and her sisters-in-law Jeanette Harris and Winky Garafola.
Muriel’s family and friends brought endless joy to her life. She was always ready for the next dance, the next song, or the next gathering—eager to entertain with her infectious smile and loving spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny. A service will take place the following morning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in Muriel’s memory to the Kearny High School Scholarship Fund. Checks may be made payable to Kearny High School Scholarship Fund and mailed to:
Kearny High School
Attn: Tammy Munro
336 Devon Street
Kearny, NJ 07032
Please earmark your donation for The Elsmore Memorial Fund.
