Elinor Adams

Elinor Goetz Adams, age 92, of Closter, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. Born on August 31, 1933, in Teaneck, New Jersey, Elinor spent more than 60 years as a resident of Closter, NJ, where she built a life rooted in family, hard work, and the simple pleasures she cherished. Elinor had a true passion for gardening, a love she joyfully shared with others during her 25 years at Willow Run Garden Shop in Cresskill, NJ. She was known for her knowledge, dedication, and genuine kindness. She was also an active member of the Tenafly Women’s Club, where she devoted her time to service-driven projects, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others. The holidays spent surrounded by her beloved family were extremely important to her, making her passing on Christmas morning especially poignant. Elinor was well known for her home cooking especially her macaroni and cheese, stuffing, casseroles , and brownies. They became treasured family favorites and enduring traditions. Elinor was a hands-on, ever-present grandmother, deeply involved in the lives of her family and always there with love, encouragement, and support. She is survived by her children, Cynthia Adams Palermo and Scott Adams and his significant other, Terri Shea; her cherished grandchildren: Chelsea Palermo, Kurt Palermo and his wife Jenny, Brittany Adams McGovern and her husband Brian , Samantha Adams Santry and her husband Alex, Jessica Bodrato and her husband Glenn, and Kristen Broking; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy. Elinor impacted all who knew her, leaving her mark through her sense of humor and deep caring for humanity. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, devotion to family and community, and generous spirit. Her memory lives on in the gardens she tended, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the many lives she touched. Friends are invited to visit with the family on : Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4 pm to 7pm at Barrett Leber Funeral Home in Tenafly, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 6pm. Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to Noon at Evergreen Memorial Home in Middletown, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Epilepsy Foundation