Obituary of Elizabeth J. Graebener
Elizabeth J. “Betty” Graebener, 70, of Middlesex Boro passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, inSomerville, NJ.
Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Betty spent her childhood in Summit and graduated from Summit High School in 1973. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at St. Elizabeth University, where she laid the foundation for a long and impactful career in healthcare. At the age of 50, Betty returned to her studies, earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Kean University, further enhancing her expertise.
For 28 years, Betty dedicated herself to the Veterans Administration (VA) Lyons Medical Center, retiring in 2019. She was a passionate advocate for Transcultural Nursing, serving as Vice President of the national Transcultural Nursing Society, and took great pride in educating her peers on the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare. Betty was also the Native American Program Manager for the VA New Jersey Healthcare System.
Betty was a deeply devoted communicant of Our Lady of Mount Virgin, where her faith was an integral part of her life. She was known for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family. Betty loved cooking and baking, often sharing delicious meals with loved ones. She had a special place in her heart for her vacations in Aruba and as well as Brigantine Beach, NJ, both of which brought her joy and relaxation. She was known for her Nutcracker Collection, having collected and displayed over 200 Nutcrackers.
She will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, her dedication to her work, and her devotion to her family and faith. Betty’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Ruth Froehlich, her brother, Timothy Froehlich, and her nephews Daniel Froelich and Eric Graebener. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Lawrence Graebener, her two daughters Katie Graebener, Erin Graebener and her partner Kristi Pace, and her three brothers, Fred Froehlich, Bobby Froehlich and his companion Janet, and Jim Froehlich and his wife Cherri Pertesis.
She will also be missed by her nieces, Hillary Boothby and Adria Bogosian along with 14 nephews and nieces, and her many brothers- and sisters-in-law, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held in the Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex, NJ, on Thursday, June 5, 2025from 4 PM to 7 PM.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Virgin RC Church, 600 Harris Avenue, Middlesex, NJ, on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10 AM. Family may gather at the funeral home prior to mass, beginning at 9 AM.
Burial will follow in St. Teresa of Avila Cemetery, 136 Passaic Ave., Summit, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Betty’s name to the Trans Cultural Nursing Society (www.tcns.org) or the Wounded Warrior Project (www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org).