Elaine Kuzy Petach passed away peacefully at Greenwich Hospital on the morning of Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Elaine was born on April 15, 1934, in Washington, Pa., to Frank Kuzy and Ann Pahanish. From a young age, she worked at the family’s grocery store, where she and her parents graciously provided for their community.
As a senior in high school, Elaine contracted polio, but overcame the illness through her endless strength and tenacity. She graduated from Trinity High School in 1952 before attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in home economics.
In 1959, she married her beloved husband, Basil Petach. The two met in a Catholic choir group in Pittsburgh, Pa. Shortly after the wedding, they moved to Rumson, N.J., where they lived for 43 years. Elaine worked at Long Branch High School for nearly 40 years, where she taught home economics and served as an administrator.
While teaching, Elaine earned a Master of Science in reading from Monmouth College. She was admired and loved by her students and colleagues, who benefited greatly from the many grants she earned for the school and programs she founded, including a Pre-K and computing program. She also taught adult education classes at night and was a lifelong advocate for the value of education.
She and Basil had two children, Ann Marie and Basil Peter (deceased), who they raised in Rumson and who loved spending days at the beach, participating in school activities and sports, and being supported in every way by their loving parents.
As a hobby, Elaine became an active quilter, creating many works of art for family and friends. Blessed are the piecemakers, their children (and grandchildren) shall inherit the quilts. She also was an active writer of her family history and memories. Her family treasures these creations of love and beauty.
Following the loss of their son to a brain tumor in 2002, she and Basil moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., to be close to Ann Marie and to help her and Jeff raise their two children. In 2007, they followed Ann Marie and her family to Rye, where they remained for the rest of their lives.
The two were deeply devoted grandparents, caring for Alex and Maggie every day after school, catching frogs, pushing strollers, and sneaking them their favorite treats.
In 2012, Elaine and Basil moved to The Osborn, where they were welcomed by a warm and loving community. Elaine could often be found playing bridge, bingo, watching a movie with friends, enjoying lively dinners, or over-performing in physical therapy. She was a beloved member of the Osborn community and will be deeply missed.
She was predeceased by her husband, Basil, her son, Peter, her two sisters, Marian Bartusiak and Marjorie Kincel Dorchak, and her brother, Franklin. She is survived by her daughter Ann Marie Petach (married to Jeffrey Janowicz), and her grandchildren Alex (wife Zillah) and Maggie Janowicz.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye. There will be a repast immediately following the Mass at The Osborn. A mausoleum entombment will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 100 Chapel Hill Road, in Red Bank, N.J.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Osborn Foundation or The Don Bosco Community Center in Port Chester, N.Y.
