Elaine Polikarpus, age 77, of Toms River, NJ, died in her home September 26th, 2022, from cancer. She was born December 3rd, 1944 in Mount Holly, NJ, the second daughter of Woodrow and Yolanda Carpenter. Elaine lived most of her life in Ocean County, devoted to raising two sons, Kaius and Paavo, and to the care of others through her chosen profession of nursing. Much of her career took place at Southern Ocean County Hospital, first as an LPN, and later as an RN. Family was most important to her. She was a wonderful cook, providing memorable meals at family gatherings, often in coordination with her beloved sister Joan. She is survived by sons Kaius (Karyl) and Paavo Polikarpus, granddaughter Michelle (Gary) Sutter, grandsons Zachary and Samuel Polikarpus, great-grandsons Landon and Carson Sutter, brother Chip Carpenter, brother-in-law George Hess, nephews Gregory (Karen) Hess, Michael (Susie) Hess, Cody Carpenter, nieces Jennifer (John) Wright, Stephanie (Mark) Fahey, and Drema (Shai) Hatuel. She is pre-deceased by parents Woodrow and Yolanda Carpenter, and sister Joan Hess. A service will be held in private. Cremains will reside in the Ocean County Memorial Park at Mausoleum Bldg#15, Section SGWG, Level 4, Column Number 2. In lieu of flowers, send donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)