Elisa Chigounis Stearns passed away on the nineteenth of May, 2024 at the age of 64. She above all else was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, daughter, and friend. Her love will forever be present in those closest to her.

Elisa grew up in Clifton, NJ, and graduated Clifton High School in 1977. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Humanities at Montclair State College. Elisa worked several interesting jobs before marrying, and giving birth to her first child; notably a Japanese Leasing Company in New York City and a Graphic Arts studio in Newark, NJ.

After raising her two children, Caitlin and Julian, with their father, Christopher Stearns, Elisa found her passion in teaching yoga. Her tall elegance brought style and grace to her practice, which inspired and encouraged her students.

Beyond spending time with her family, which was Elisa's greatest joy, she pursued a variety of lovely pastimes. She loved spending time at the beach and in nature, listening to her favorite music both live and on the stereo, and immersing herself in her life-long, personal yoga practice.

Elisa also loved gardening. The comings and goings of the season's perennial flowers always brought her delight. She has also been known to enjoy spending a day "gallivanting" to some of her favorite New Jersey spots and eateries; ideally with her two children in tow.

Elisa is survived by her two children, Caitlin and Julian Stearns, and her daughter-in-law, Haley; five siblings: Lynn Chigounis, Charles Chigounis (His wife, Kathryn Richardson), Evans Williams Chigounis, Francesca Bunghez (Her husband, Rares Bunghez), and Julia Chigounis Torlucci; her nephew, Ciro Bunghez, and her granddaughter, Ingrid Louise Stearns. And predeceased by her parents, Evans Charles Chigouns and Gloria (Peluso) Chigouns.

Above all, Elisa's love for her children and family were evident in the way she chose to live her life. She put family first, and treasured the friendships she made throughout her life. We will miss her dearly, and hold the love and memories of her in our hearts always.

A private "Celebration of Life" will take place in the near future.

If you want to make a donation to a worthy cause, the Villa Maria Claire, in Saddle River, NJ was the hospice facility that took care of Lisa the last two months of her life. Their dedication to the highest quality of comfort and holistic care for the patient and their families was exceptional.