Elizabeth’s Obituary Elizabeth DiLea Cocca (AKA – Betty, Bet, Aunt Betty), 79, of Lakewood passed away on April 16, 2019 at Care One of Wall. She was born in Newark to Emile and Rose Cocca. Elizabeth lived in Middletown and worked in Old Bridge where she worked as a teacher. Betty’s career began at Memorial School in Old Bridge, in the early 1960’s. She changed schools in 1965 and became the Kindergarten teacher at Leroy Gordon Cooper School, where she remained for the next 35 years. During that time she taught Kindergarten, and 2nd and 3rd Grades. She was caring and loved the little ones; she had a very motherly instinct. She had a wonderful relationship with the kids and parents throughout the years with many coming back to visit. She had a good relationship with her colleagues as well. She was a member of the Teacher’s Sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa and also served as the Teachers Union representative for a number of years. She was always willing to fight for the rights of others. Betty returned to finish her career at Memorial School, teaching 2nd Grade until retireing to Lakewood. Betty, affectionately known as “Bet”, was a true historian with a wonderful memory for historical facts/events and an avid reader, reading everything she could get her hands on. She was proud of her heritage and enjoyed making food and desserts from scratch and sharing them with others. She was well known for her annual Christmas cookies. She enjoyed theater/movies, spending time with family/friends including a game of cut throat pinochle. In her role as Aunt Betty, the family matriarch, she was always there for support, encouragement and an occasional “school teacher” lecture. Betty was predeceased by her husband Gerald DiLea, brothers Emile and Thomas Cocca and is survived by many nieces and nephews in both the DiLea/Cocca families. She was loved by all who knew her, a friend to many, a sister to some and will be dearly missed; but never forgotten. May she rest in peace with her love, Jerry. Cremation will be private. A memorial gathering will be held at Laurelton Memorial Funeral Home, 109 Pier Avenue at Route 70, Brick, NJ on Saturday, April 27th from 2-6 PM with a service at 5:30 PM. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elizabeth DiLea October 25 1939 April 16 2019.
Colonial Funeral Homes – Owner John A. Cutaio New Jersey Lic. No. 2763 – Brick
Death notice for the town of: Brick, state: New Jersey