Elvira Barillas: Honoring a life of service to North Bergen

Elvira Barillas, who worked for the township of North Bergen as executive secretary to the mayor, passed away on February 15, 2018 with her family at her side.

Barillas leaves behind a husband, two children, three siblings, and two grandchildren. Her daughter, Erin, also leads a life of public service in North Bergen as a clerk for the township.

“She was an amazing woman with a beautiful soul and heart of gold,” North Bergen activist Aimee Focaraccio wrote. “She will be missed tremendously and I hope her family and friends can find the strength to get through this difficult time.“

“I would always tell her that I wanted to be her when I grew up,” wrote Iradys Rivero Ortega. “Being around her brought joy and laughter. She was always classy and respected by many.”

In addition to her role with the township, Barillas also served on the North Bergen Democratic Committee.

The wake will be on Monday, Feb. 19, from 2 PM to 8 PM at Vainieri Funeral Home, 5923 Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen. The funeral will be on Tuesday, 10 AM at the funeral home, which will open at 8 AM to allow for people to visit before work. Mass will be at 11am at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 81st Street and Kennedy Blvd. The burial will be at St Raymonds Cemetery, Bronx, NY.