Elizabeth Alice Schwenk

Elizabeth (Betty) Alice Schwenk, 86, passed away on December 27, 2024, in West Orange, New Jersey. She was born on October 24, 1938, in Union City, New Jersey, to Alice and Burt Lane. Elizabeth grew up in Union City, graduating from Washington Grammar School and Union Hill High School. Although she was an only child, she had many close cousins and friends who she considered more like siblings, sharing a bond of care and support throughout her life. She met her future husband, Joseph Schwenk (1936-2022), at the Moose Lodge in Union City.

Elizabeth had an accomplished life, joining the Women of Moose Lodge at age 16 and later becoming the youngest senior Regent at age 21. She met Joseph Schwenk at the Moose Lodge where on June 9, 1962, Joseph and Elizabeth entered into matrimony. On September 16, 1963, both of their hearts expanded with love as they welcomed Stephen Burt Schwenk into the family. As some time passed by, once again, amplifying their love and heart, on August 11, 1966 Richard Charles Schwenk was born. In 1970 they moved to Belleville to raise their family. One thing that defines Elizabeth is her ever-growing love, passion and support for her family. 

Elizabeth was a proud member of her church community. She was a Sunday School Teacher at Grove Reformed church in north Bergen later becoming a member of Belleville Reformed Church where she continued doing her diligence as a Sunday School teacher. At Belleville Reformed Church, she served faithfully as both a deacon and an elder. Over time, Elizabeth became an enthusiastic member of Brookdale Reformed Church in Bloomfield, where she remained actively involved in church life. Her unwavering dedication to her faith and service left a lasting impact on all the communities she was a part of.

Elizabeth's son Stephen married Eileen Hartdorn in 1993, and soon after, Elizabeth became a proud grandmother of Mary and Andrew Schwenk. Her other son, Richard Schwenk, married Elida Cruz in 2008. They are now residing in El Salvador, where Elida was born. Elizabeth's family, along with the close friends she regarded as family, was her greatest passion. She devoted herself fully to providing the love, care, and compassion they deserved. Her favorite pastimes included watching TV, reading books and cooking. However, when her husband Joseph retired, he embraced the responsibility of cooking, an activity he also came to enjoy. Elizabeth's favorite color was blue, though she appreciated anything as bright and cheerful as she was.

Elizabeth's warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have shared in her life. Elizabeth will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones, and she will forever be cherished.