Betty A. Keen Bieszcz

Retired State Unemployment Insurance Clerk
 

Betty A. Keen Bieszcz, 76, of Hopewell Twp. went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning January 29, 2010 at home surrounded by her family.

Betty was known and loved by many as she traveled through life; from the daughter of a dairy farmer to becoming a dairy farmer's wife. After leaving the farm life, she moved to the small community of Laurel Lake where she built a home in 1967. During the 1970's, she became active in her community as a fundraiser for the Laurel Lake Volunteer Fire Company, as president of the local Civic Club where her hard work on behalf of the club to fund the purchase of a new fire truck and equipment.

She served six years on the Commercial Township Board of Education and was active with school activities where her two children were attending. During this time she became active in Democratic Party politics. She campaigned and held rallies in her home to help promote and elect to office both former Congressman William Hughes and former Governor Brendan Byrne.

During her time of political activism, she was granted a number of opportunities, including serving as a member of the Cumberland County Democratic Steering Committee. Her accomplishments while serving in Commercial Township were many. They included but were not limited to road paving, the construction of bus shelters for children waiting for school buses and an updated drainage system.

Betty's activism in the Democratic Party led her to obtain a position with the State of NJ as an Unemployment Insurance Clerk. She held that position for 25 years until retiring in 1998. She was well known in the community and was often stopped by people who exclaimed, "Hey, you're that lady from the Unemployment Office." She was always willing to answer questions even when she saw people in public or if they called her on the telephone at her home.

She loved serving the Lord and demonstrated her Christian love while serving those who were on the other side of the counter. She always understood that person might be a single mother struggling to raise her two children on just one paycheck. She knew the importance of money to those without work.

After retirement, she devoted her time to her precious family and friends. She had the blessing of seeing her granddaughter come into the world and was able to be involved with her upbringing. She loved her church and her church family and dedicated herself to serving them in anyway she could.

Betty was in ill health for many years suffering with pain from both arthritis and cancer. She won her battle against cancer but her body just couldn't fight anymore. Her service on earth was finished and all can be assured she will continue in "Glory Land" where her Father and Savior have released her from the war of this sinful life. She was a Christian warrior whose fight is now over.

Betty leaves behind her beloved children, son, Glenn M. Bieszcz of Knoxville, TN and daughter, Brenda L. Kelley of Hopewell Twp., her mother, Kathryn Keen (nee Petersen) and a sister, Carolyn Dare both of Monroeville, three grandchildren, Glenn R. Bieszcz, Christopher M. Bieszcz, both of Knoxville, TN and Katie A. Kelley of Hopewell Twp., brother-in-law, Lynn Locuson of Daretown and sister-in-law, Thelma Keen of Canton and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her daddy, Carlton B. "Runt" Keen, one son, David G. Coleman, one sister, Joyce M. Locuson and one brother, Carlton B. "Butch" Keen Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Betty's funeral service on Wednesday morning February 3rd at 11 o'clock at the Freitag Funeral Home, 137 W. Commerce St. in Bridgeton.

The interment will take place at Aldine Methodist Cemetery in Alloway Township.

Friends will be received at the funeral home Tuesday evening between 6 and 8 and also Wednesday morning from 10 and 11.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betty's memory to SJ Healthcare - Hospice Care, P.O. Box 160, Bridgeton NJ 08302 or to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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