Mary E. "Betty" Thiel

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Thiel

99 years, 9 months, and 7 days

2 months and 23 days shy of turning 100

A Jersey girl through and through, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Thiel was born May 14, 1926 in Somerville, New Jersey, later making her home in Green Brook and Fanwood before ultimately settling in Mountainside, where she spent many cherished years.

Having lived abundantly, loved endlessly, and lost bravely, she was predeceased by her first fiancé, who was lost in a bomber over Germany during World War II; by her two husbands; her parents; three siblings; and her beloved grandson, Frankie. Betty leaves behind her two sons, Bruce and Gregg; her sister, Lois; three grandsons—Greg, Ryan, and Adam; as well as five nieces and seven nephews who loved and adored her.

Betty began her professional life as an executive secretary with the local telephone company, eventually becoming co‑owner of the Thiel Real Estate Agency in Mountainside. A woman ahead of her time, she rose to become President of the Westfield Board of Realtors—believed to be the first woman to hold that position.

Gentle, protective, and endlessly generous, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and grandmother. She always placed the needs of others before her own and filled her life with talents she shared freely—from her beautiful singing voice to her skills in knitting and embroidery—along with her unforgettable cooking.

Betty lived a long and full life, rich with love, purpose, and devotion to those she held dear. She touched countless hearts with her kindness, strength, and generosity. Her presence will be forever missed, and her memory will live on in all who were blessed to know her.