Elizabeth J Schnitzer

Elizabeth J. Schnitzer, "Bette", "S", 93 of Hackettstown, New Jersey, previously of Scotch Plains, New Jersey passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 11, 2022. Bette was born on February 9, 1929 in Plainfield, New Jersey to the late Steven and Katharine Yurkow Dubey, who emigrated from Western Ukraine in the 1920's.
Betty attended Plainfield High School, where she participated in student council, cheerleading, softball and basketball. She graduated in 1947.
She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education at Panzer College of Physical Education and Hygiene, (now Montclair State University). She was involved in diverse activities-Class Secretary, Cheerleader, Dance Club, Tennis Club, Hockey Club, and Basketball Club (no competitive women's teams at that time). She graduated in 1951. She was married to Raymond L. Schnitzer (Class of 1950 Panzer College) and together raised five beautiful children. She never missed an event the children took part in, and saved every letter, report card, photo and gift from her kids, grandkids and friends. She was a pioneer for working moms in the 1960's while trailblazing girls sports programs. Bette's career was dedicated to teaching, coaching and mentoring youth and young women to better themselves. Starting in 1962 and retiring in 1994, she was a Physical Education and Health Teacher, and Coach for Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains. She led intramural sports, and was the coach for the girls Track and Gymnastics Teams, Cheerleading and Pep Squad. In summers she was Director of Recreation. She directed county and state swim meets and chaperoned the NJ AAU girls state basketball team to games throughout the US. She also launched the County Scholar Athlete awards program for student athletes. She had the Distinct Honor of being inducted into the New Jersey Interscholastic Coaches Hall of Fame in 1988.
In 1994 she was awarded the Union Catholic Hall of Fame Honor for outstanding work in athletics as a coach and her significant impact on UCHS students. She continued to mentor and coach sports after retirement and was always present cheering on her grandchildren. She recently received a "Best Fan Award" in recognition of her loyalty to community sports and attendance at young women's basketball. While attending the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, she received a private invitation to meet the gold medal USA Women's Gymnastics Team. She was an avid reader and gardener. Bette was a "foodie" and enjoyed trying new restaurants. She loved her colored lipsticks and ever changing hairstyles-wearing her pink lipstick and looking beautiful even in her last days.
Above all she truly loved her family and cherished every moment spent together.
Selfless, her unrelenting positive influence impacted the lives of countless students, faculty, families, and people of all backgrounds within her diverse community.
She is survived by her loving children; Steven, Christine, Raymond and Beth Schnitzer, and Jaimie Westley and her husband Darren. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren Justin and Lexi Westley.
In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her husband Raymond L. Schnitzer and her sisters, Catherine Shoppe and Elaine Fickett. All funeral arrangements will be private. A celebration of life will be held early Fall at Union Catholic High School -details to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, donations for a scholarship may be made in memory of Bette Schnitzer on line here: https://www.unioncatholic.org/apps/pages/supportuc or by check to: Union Catholic High School- In memory of Bette Schnitzer | ATTN: Sister Percylee Hart | 1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840. To send an online condolence visit www.maguire-scalamemorialhome.com