Obituary of Elizabeth W Pawelczak

Elizabeth DeLucia Pawelczak HAMILTON Elizabeth Wheeler DeLucia Pawelczak lived a full and enriching life, right through her peaceful passing at home in Hamilton, NJ, on June 24, 2017. She was 67. After graduating from Huntington High School in 1967, Betsy attended Wagner College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. In 1986, Betsy began a long and successful tenure in the schools of South Brunswick, NJ, focusing on early childhood education before becoming a reading specialist. A notorious hard worker, in 1999 Betsy was recognized for contributions, including creating her school's Books on Wheels program when she was awarded the Walmart/Sam's Club "Teacher of the Year "Award. Upon earning two master of arts degrees in reading and administration from Rider University, Betsy had successful stints as an administrator and principal before retiring in 2011. In May 2004, she met and fell in love with Michael Pawelczak. That following year, they settled into their new home in Hamilton and were wed on Dec. 30, 2005, making official a devotion that would last for eternity. Amongst their many passions, Mike and Lizzie would take long rides on his Harley, a hobby they enjoyed together. Once retired, Betsy filled her time with interior decorating projects, sewing, volunteering at local soup kitchens with her church Saint Mark United Methodist Church, and much more. Perhaps Betsy's greatest pride and enjoyment in her later years was her grandchildren. Any chance she could get, Betsy could be found playing with her precious Nick, Gia, Michael and Logan. After a night surrounded by loved ones, Betsy passed with her husband and children by her side and was matched with the all the love and joy that she always gave to those around her. Betsy is survived by her beloved husband, Michael Pawelczak; her son, Greg (Aly) DeLucia; son Rick (Christina) DeLucia; step-son, Jason (Michelle) Pawelczak, and step-daughter, Laura (Justin) Kowalczyk; her four grandchildren; sister Sally (Dick) Brush, sister Nancy Graham, and her nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Eleanor and Alfred Wheeler. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Saint Mark United Methodist Church, 465 Paxson Avenue, Hamilton Square, NJ and then again on Saturday, July, 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. until the time of her funeral service at the church at 11 a.m., with The Rev. Robert Marks officiating. A time for fellowship and lunch will immediately follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be private at a later date in North Crosswicks cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Pawelczak Scholarship Fund in Betsy's memory, care of the Day by Day Hope Foundation (daybydayhopefoundation.org), or pancreatic cancer research (pancan.org).