Elaine Shive Lent, 80, of Lincroft, formerly of Long Valley, passed away peacefully at home in Lincroft May 21, 2024. She was born in Plainfield to the late John and Helen Shive.
Elaine was a beloved mother, teacher, historian, artist and community supporter. She graduated from Newark State College in Union in 1968 and continued her education at Kean College, completing a master’s degree in industrial technology in 1987.
She was a classroom teacher and gifted and talented coordinator for the Basking Ridge Public Schools until her retirement in 2005. Her dedication to teaching led to a Christa McAuliffe Fellowship award in 1988 and an Outstanding Teacher award.
One of her greatest pleasures was history and the American Revolutionary War. As a member and historian for Old First Church in Middletown, she received the Middletown Historic Preservation Award in 2017. Elaine was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the New Jersey Astronomical Society, the Northern Monmouth County Branch of the AAUW, the New Jersey chapter of People to People International, Middletown Community Outreach Group, the Poricy Park Nature Conservatory, the Middletown Township Historic Preservation Commission, and the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband Robert L. Lent and a brother, Peter Shive. She is survived by her loving daughter, Helena Santee (John Wes Santee); five grandchildren, Sarah, David, Christopher, Aeron and Jason Sorensen; and a brother, Jonathan Shive (Merlina Dy Shive).
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. July 13 at the Old First Church, 69 Kings Highway, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Elaine’s memory to Old First Church, 69 Kings Highway Middletown, NJ 07748; please note in the memo: In Memory of Elaine S. Lent.
Please visit Elaine’s memorial website at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the June 20 – 26, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
