From Strunk Funeral Homes & Crematory
Elizabeth “Betty” K. Brinamen, 77, North Hutchinson Island
January 3, 1944 – May 8, 2021
Elizabeth “Betty” K. Brinamen passed away peacefully on May 8, 2021 with her husband and children present. She had lived with Sjogren’s Syndrome for 25 years. Although usually in incredible pain, those around her rarely knew. This past year, Betty had two strokes and while in rehabilitation contracted Covid. Although she recovered from that illness, she died of renal failure.
Betty was born in Otok, Croatia on January 31, 1944. She and her family became refugees soon after her birth, eventually immigrating to the United States in 1950. She grew up in Hopelawn and Fords, NJ and attended Woodbridge High School graduating in 1962.
Betty attended Newark State College, now known as Kean University, graduating with a BA in Elementary Education in 1966. In 1980, she received a MA in Special Education from the same college. She met her husband there her first year and married him after graduating in 1966. They moved to Flanders, NJ in 1969 and lived there until 2000. After briefly residing in Surf City, NJ, they moved to North Hutchinson Island, Florida, but visited Flanders often where her grandsons continue to live with their parents.
Betty lived a life of giving and service. She began her career as a sixth grade teacher in Woodbridge, NJ, before becoming a mother. When she returned to work in 1974, she founded and developed a preschool classroom for children with disabilities through a grant that she wrote and was awarded; the first in Morris County. In the late 1970s, this was a new field and Betty was a pioneer. The program is now almost 50 years old and is known as the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities, combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies. During her time there, the program expanded and she trained many teachers in the field.
Betty continued her work in Special Education after leaving the program. She was the Director of Child Study in Morris County, the Director of Special Services in South Amboy, NJ, and the Elementary School Vice Principal at Canfield Avenue School in Minehill, NJ.
Betty was also a vital contributor in the community. A devoted parishioner at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester, NJ, Betty was an active member of its Rosary Society and Choir for many years. She taught CCD as a special education, middle school, and high school teacher for over 20 years. She belonged to the Dover College Club for Women. She served as the contact for the Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation in New Jersey and parts of Florida and was on the Welcome Committee of the Seabreeze Condo where she lived.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles J. Brinamen, Jr. Other family members include her children Charles F. Brinamen of San Francisco, CA and Maribeth Paoli of Flanders, NJ and their spouses Rene Villalta and Greg Paoli, respectively.
She also is survived by her 6 grandsons Matthew, Christopher, Patrick, William, Jacob, and Andrew Paoli. She’ll be remembered for her generosity of spirit and loving kindness by anyone who met her.
A funeral mass will take place at St. Lawrence the Martyr Church in Chester, NJ on August 6, 2021. (Date subject to change.)
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Sjogren’s Foundation. Sjögren’s Foundation.
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