Police say Lubia Estevez and Forest Whitlock, both in their 60s, were traveling along Stelle Avenue in a car when they made a turn, ended up in a ditch, and were ultimately pulled into the fast-moving waters under the bridge.
A good Samaritan broke the victims' car window, but was unable to pull them out before they were pulled into the brook.
On Wednesday, loved ones spoke out about the devastating loss.
Estevez had just started to enjoy life again after her husband's death in December and her friends say she had a big heart.
Now they are devastated because she and her close friend were swallowed by the flood waters.
Estevez was riding in the car Monday evening driven by Whitlock.
The Whitlock family said the women loved to play Bingo and they were out at the games as the storm rolled through.
"It's horrific, I'm still lost for words, everything is like a shellshock still," said Whitlock's granddaughter Al Tariq Nelson.
Whitlock's family said she survived cancer, always made people feel welcome and loved life.
They set up a makeshift memorial outside the family's home knowing Whitlock will never return.
"To overcome all these obstacles in your life that have been thrown your way and to lose your life in your own city is very tragic and very sad," Nelson said.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Estevez who has family in the Dominican Republic.
The Plainfield School District released a statement that said Estevez was a valuable member of the district who will be greatly missed.
ALSO READ: How much rain did you get?
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube