February 05 2020
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Slater Dunkelberger February 05, 2020 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Betty Ann Slater Dunkelberger, 85, of Fords, earned her angel wings on February 5, 2020. She passed peacefully at home with her loving family at her side. Born in Perth Amboy and formerly of Fords, she had resided in Howell for the last 4 years. A graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy, Betty Ann worked in Perth Amboy, first at the Learner’s Dress Shop and later as a secretary for Anaconda Copper. A communicant of Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Fords for over 55 years, Betty Ann would never miss mass, always finding ways to attend, no matter what the weather. Her faith was steeped in her heart and her spirit. Betty Ann was a woman of many names, Elizabeth, Betty Ann, Aunt Betty, Betty Boop, Mom and most popular, and award winning, Nanny. She had some other names as well… Stubborn Irish Woman, Gambler, and Party Animal. Known as a dancing machine and 2013 star of the Norwegian Cruise Ship, Betty Ann would light up any room she would enter. There was no bigger chatterbox than Betty Ann. She would start a conversation with anyone, whether they felt like speaking or not, yet they would always walk away with a smile. No one was more giving than our beloved Nanny. She put everyone, even people she did not know, before herself. Nanny taught all those around her how important it is to give and give some more. Her spaghetti, cakes with outrageous icing, and endless Christmas cookies (we would still be eating them in April) will be missed and will never be replicated. Even into her 80s, Betty Ann had a non-stop can-do attitude. She would be the first out to clear the snow for her own house and her neighbors. She was also constantly doing yard work and would clean gutters from her roof by climbing out of the window, yes, climbing out of the window! Nanny had her license but had not driven in over 70 years. She may have always been the passenger, but she was the best navigator. She loved taking Sunday rides with the love of her life, her husband George, and together they traveled to Ireland, Hawaii, Bermuda, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, and, including son George and daughter Debbie’s families, made many trips to Disney where they stayed at the Polynesian Village. Closer to home, she would often visit her hometown of Perth Amboy to walk along the waterfront, dine at The Barge and enjoy her favorite sangria, and shop downtown. She also loved visiting Spring Lake, Ortley Beach, where her family would vacation each summer, Peddler’s Village and Lancaster, PA. Her greatest love of all was being with her family and friends. While living in Fords she was blessed with some of the best neighbors you could ask for, especially the Prasnal Family. Outside of Fords, Betty Ann could often be found in Atlantic City, specifically Borgata and Harrah’s, with her grandchildren, Long Beach Island with her nieces, Judy and Jayne, or anywhere fun. She also loved visiting her daughter Debbie in Howell, where they would head to the grocery store, go out to dinner and hang out with their grand- and great grandchildren. Nanny and Debbie were always known for their cleaning skills, never veering from their schedules and literally wearing carpets down through their constant love of vacuuming. Being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren was one of her favorite pastimes. She loved visiting her grandson Neil, his fiancé Rita and their dog Hank in Lake Como and was so happy when Neil finally popped the question. Nanny could often be found at her granddaughter Megan and Jeff’s home. There, they would spend endless amounts of time having sleepovers, going on day trips, getting their nails done or watching Hallmark movies. Nanny adored her great grandchildren and was happiest being with them. She had a very special bond with her first great grandson, Mason. They spent three days a week together (plus weekends) since he was born while his parents were at work. Nanny and Mason enjoyed reading books together, watching cartoons, going to Long Beach Island and playing with endless amounts of toys. Mason will deeply miss his great grandmother. He could always be found by her side, through the good days and the more recent difficult ones. He never thought twice about cuddling up in bed with her and being right there to hold her hand. Nanny was also so happy to have spent quality time with Milana and Joseph. She loved seeing their smiles, listening to their baby coos and holding their hands. In the short time she spent with them, she made an impact that will last forever. Betty Ann was predeceased by her beloved husband George (2003), son George (1998), parents Mary and Francis, son-in-law Tom, brothers Billy and Richie, sisters-in-law Dorothy and Helen, and by her loving dogs, Spotie, Mac, and Pebbles. She leaves behind her beloved daughter, Debbie Pieszchala with whom she resided, 4 grandchildren; Megan (& Jeff) Kaiser of Howell, Neil (& fiancé Rita) Pieszchala of Belmar, Alison and Michael Dunkelberger of Maryland, 3 great-grandchildren, Mason, Milana and Joseph Kaiser, daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Dunkelberger, sister-in law Madeline Slater, several cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. Her furry friends Roxy and Hank will miss her warm hugs, kisses and belly rubs. Betty Ann received exceptional care throughout her last seven months. She was blessed to have her daughter Debbie who strived to give her the best life she could through her last moments here with us, working endlessly to keep her comfortable and well cared for. Our heartfelt thanks to the members of our extended family, including Chris, Rose, and caregiver Trish, who watched over Nanny and kept her well-nourished and safe. Betty Ann also received exceptional care from the VNA Hospice of Monmouth County with an extra special heartfelt thank you to Rosemie, Nataliya and Vaness. Raise your glass to honor Betty Ann! She would take a sip of anything, but her favorite glass would be filled with Bailey’s Irish Cream or a Malibu Bay Breeze. Cheers to a well lived life and a legacy that will last forever. Visitation will be on Monday, February 17, 2020, from 4-8 pm at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave. Fords, NJ 08863. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Church, interment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. A memory basket will be available at viewing to collect letters, anecdotes and notes of times spent or shared with Betty Ann to be shared with her family. SERVICES Visitation Monday, February 17, 2020 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Flynn and Son Funeral Home – Fords 23 Ford Ave Fords, New Jersey 08863 Get Directions on Google Maps Funeral Service Tuesday, February 18, 2020 10:00 AM Flynn and Son Funeral Home – Fords 23 Ford Ave Fords, New Jersey 08863 Get Directions on Google Maps Funeral Mass Tuesday, February 18, 2020 10:30 AM Our Lady of Peace RC Church Ford Avenue Fords, NJ 08863 Get Directions on Google Maps Interment will follow in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia Print Obituary Sign Guestbook Name: Location: Video: Image: Light A Candle Candle 1 Candle 2 Candle 3 Candle 4 Email: Please keep my message private Personal Message: Personal Message (required) Confirm: Submit Guestbook entry
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Elizabeth Betty Ann Slater Dunkelberger February 05 2020.
Death notice for the town of: Fords, state: New Jersey