Betty E. Schmidt

Our dear mom, Nana and friend, Betty Emma Schmidt (née Bender), of Wanaque, NJ, passed away on January 25 at the age of 93, having lived a long and beautiful life. 

Betty was born on November 3, 1931 to Alfred Bender and Lina Schwarzkopf in Irvington, NJ. She graduated from Irvington High School in 1949. Following graduation, she was hired by Prudential in Newark as a typist. It wasn’t long, however, before she was trained to work with the newest technology as a keypunch operator. Betty became part of the training team for the company and spent time working in Minnesota. While there, she had great fun learning how to ice fish, ice skate and live an independent life as a city girl. 

Betty got engaged to Henry Louis Schmidt (dearly departed in November of 1984) on her birthday in 1956 and left Prudential when they married on May 4, 1957. She and Henry welcomed their firstborn, Mark, in 1958, followed by Jeff in 1959, Karen in 1962, and Laurie in 1963 (dearly departed in March of 1984). Betty loved her children deeply and was ever-present for them. From sporting events, to scouts, concerts to ceremonies, if her kids took part, she was there to cheer them on.

In the 1970s, Betty volunteered as a librarian’s assistant in the Walter T. Bergen middle school in Bloomingdale. In 1977, she was hired as the head secretary for that same school. She loved working at Walter T. Bergen, and she treasured many lifelong friendships from her time in the Bloomingdale School District. Betty retired from Walter T. Bergen in 1996 and fully took on her role as Nana to her grandchildren. She gathered with her family often, attended school concerts, played board games, baked Christmas cookies and never failed to show up for her grandchildren.

Betty was deeply curious about the world around her and was always grateful for the opportunities she had to explore it — from taking road trips across the U.S. to touring Europe with her family and friends, traveling was always a learning journey for her. She followed her curiosity via experiences closer to home, as well, taking classes every year at her local library.

But above all, Betty devoted her time and care to others. She was an active, longtime member of Bloomingdale United Methodist Church, and she spent many years volunteering with Friends of the Kinnelon Library, helping run the annual book sale. Betty also found great satisfaction in growing and creating beautiful things for others. She served as president of her building's gardening committee for some time, and spent many hours knitting sweaters, hats, scarves and blankets both for loved ones and for strangers. Her love of and compassion for others was pure and boundless.

Betty is survived by her children, Mark Schmidt (wife Linda), Jeff Schmidt (departed wife Karen) and Karen Johnson; her grandchildren, Jason Schmidt (wife Mara), Marylynn Harding (husband Daryl), Paul Schmidt (wife Beth), Abby Johnson, Keven Schmidt, Peter Schmidt (wife Amanda) and Natalie Johnson; and her great grandchildren, Dominic Harding, Thea Schmidt, Brielle Harding, Oliver Schmidt and Madelyn Schmidt.

May Betty’s legacy of kindness, devotion and joy live on in all who were blessed to have shared part of their journey with her.

Visitation is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2025 at the Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi Ave. Butler, NJ.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Bloomingdale United Methodist Church, with Rev. Hannah Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Rest Cemetery in Butler.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Bloomingdale United Methodist Church.