Jane “Elner” Cibelli (née McClintock)
July 14, 1937 – June 25, 2026

Elner Cibelli, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep, likely dreaming of where she’d rather be — sunrise by the sea.

Elner was born in Mount Vernon, New York, and attended the School of Industrial Art in Manhattan. She enjoyed a mischievous youth in the Bronx, where, at age 14, she met her future husband, Robert.

Elner raised her family in Paramus, New Jersey, and was a homemaker extraordinaire, expressing her creativity in countless ways. She crafted stunning works, which featured lovingly collected sea shells, and sold them under the label, Elegant Expressions by Elner. Her beautiful oil paintings were exhibited in many local shows. A gifted writer as well, Elner found endless inspiration in the beauty of nature—especially the ocean—and wrote poetry that was published regularly.

After 41 years in Paramus, Elner and Bob built a wonderful home and life in a new 55+ community in Barnegat. Moving south brought them closer to her beloved Long Beach Island and one of their favorite getaways, Atlantic City. They found a rich social life there, enjoying bocce, bridge, poker, and, most importantly, the many treasured friendships they formed.

Elner was married for 63 years to the late Robert “Bob” Cibelli. She was the loving mother of Clifford Cibelli (Debbie), Donna Cibelli Peterson (Scott), and Karen Cibelli (Duncan Davidson). She was an exceptionally proud grandmother to Danielle Cibelli, Lauren Cibelli, and Cameron Davidson, and was overjoyed to welcome her precious great-grandson, Evan James Cibelli. Elner also cherished all of her devoted nieces and nephews, embracing a maternal role after her beloved sisters, Edith Nelson and Jean Kullgren (née McClintock), predeceased her. She is survived by a dear sister-in-law, Lena Knowles (née Cibelli).

Elner was a vibrant and loving woman whose warmth and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Two Celebrations of Life will take place, first will be in Barnegat for local community and friends on July 16, 2026 at Lefty's,547 N Main St, Barnegat, NJ 08005 starting at 11:00 AM, the second for northern friends and family on Sunday July 19, 2026 starting at noon at home of Debbie and Cliff Cibelli at 280 Taft Court in Paramus, NJ.

An online guestbook is available to share condolences and memories by visiting www.barnegatfh.com.

If desired, please make a memorial donation to a cause close to your heart in Elner’s honor. Two organizations that were especially meaningful to her are the Barnegat Food Pantry, 360A North Main Street, Barnegat, NJ 08005, and the Paramus Community Pantry, 105 N. Farview Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652.