Obituary for Elizabeth Mary Raetsch
Elizabeth Mary Raetsch, beloved wife and mother, passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2023 after recent health challenges.
Elizabeth was born in a Displaced Persons camp in Wurzburg, Germany in 1947. She arrived with her sister and parents in New York in 1951, and was naturalized in 1958. Over her friend’s objections, she had a short courtship and married Paul in 1970. They enjoyed 53 years together. Her first career as a travel agent ended with the birth of their first child. For the next 25 years Elizabeth pursued her second career, raising their four wonderful children.
When the youngest entered Kindergarten, Elizabeth pursued her lifelong ambition to be an educator. She graduated Magna cum Laude from Rowan University, and began her third career as a beloved and devoted third grade teacher at Shady Lane School in Deptford.
In retirement Elizabeth and Paul loved taking European river cruises along the Rhine, Main, Mosel and Seine Rivers. They retired to Lake Wallenpaupack, and ultimately returned to South Jersey in 2012.
She leaves behind Paul; four wonderful children: Matthew (Christine), David (Shannon), Rebecca Wheeler (David), and Paul (Amy); four grandchildren: Anya, Gabriel, Harrison and Paige; and two sisters: Anna Mackey and Linda Ryan. She strived for excellence in all her endeavors, but her love and devotion to her children was always her top priority.
Donations or tribute gifts may be made to:
Holy Redeemer Hospice: https://www.redeemerhealth.org/giving/memorial-and-tribute-gifts
South Jersey Cancer Fund: https://sjcancerfund.com/
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.
Elizabeth was born in a Displaced Persons camp in Wurzburg, Germany in 1947. She arrived with her sister and parents in New York in 1951, and was naturalized in 1958. Over her friend’s objections, she had a short courtship and married Paul in 1970. They enjoyed 53 years together. Her first career as a travel agent ended with the birth of their first child. For the next 25 years Elizabeth pursued her second career, raising their four wonderful children.
When the youngest entered Kindergarten, Elizabeth pursued her lifelong ambition to be an educator. She graduated Magna cum Laude from Rowan University, and began her third career as a beloved and devoted third grade teacher at Shady Lane School in Deptford.
In retirement Elizabeth and Paul loved taking European river cruises along the Rhine, Main, Mosel and Seine Rivers. They retired to Lake Wallenpaupack, and ultimately returned to South Jersey in 2012.
She leaves behind Paul; four wonderful children: Matthew (Christine), David (Shannon), Rebecca Wheeler (David), and Paul (Amy); four grandchildren: Anya, Gabriel, Harrison and Paige; and two sisters: Anna Mackey and Linda Ryan. She strived for excellence in all her endeavors, but her love and devotion to her children was always her top priority.
Donations or tribute gifts may be made to:
Holy Redeemer Hospice: https://www.redeemerhealth.org/giving/memorial-and-tribute-gifts
South Jersey Cancer Fund: https://sjcancerfund.com/
Private services will be held at the family’s convenience.