Monroe Township Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider, a longtime public servant, dies at 88

Monroe Township is mourning the loss of Councilwoman Elizabeth "Betty" Schneider, who actively served the community until her death on Sunday. She was 88.

Schneider, who was elected in 2013 and served Ward 1, died at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, according to her obituary.

"Monroe Township has lost an advocate, a dedicated public servant and more importantly a caring representative," Mayor Stephen Dalina said in a statement. "Councilwoman Schneider was a friend to me, my colleagues and everyone who knew her. Betty built a reputation as a committed member of the Monroe Township Council and took her responsibility with the utmost diligence and seriousness. She was passionate about eradicating food insecurity, improving public safety and the Human Relations Commission that she served for many years. My heart goes out to her family and friends during this difficult time."

Schneider, a Democrat, served as council vice president from 2017 through 2022. Her latest term expires in 2025. Prior to the Council, she served on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Before moving to Monroe, Schneider was a member of the North Brunswick Township Board of Education from 1980 to 2000, her obituary says.

She was an active volunteer in the Rossmoor Adult Community, the Kiwanis Club, and the League of Women Voters. She was honored for her service in 2014 by receiving the North Brunswick Women’s Club Woman of the Year and the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year awards, according to her obituary.

Born on June 1, 1934, to Elizabeth and Otto Punk in Trenton, Schneider was a graduate of Hightstown High School. In 1955 she married James Schneider and is the mother of two children, her obituary says.

"Betty never missed a community event, she was very proud of our township and residents, and took every opportunity to celebrate all," a township statement said. "Betty was a passionate advocate for the Office of Aging and in particular the food pantry, the Police Department, the local Boy & Girl Scout organizations and the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Dalina, the township council and all staff members express their deepest condolences to the Schneider family. We will miss Betty's visits, smile and upbeat personality, she was adored by all."

A funeral liturgy is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Nativity of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, 185 Applegarth Road, Monroe, followed by entombment in Holy Cross Burial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Schneider's name are requested to the Monmouth County SPCA at www.monmouthcountyspca.org or a charity of choice.

Email: sloyer@gannettnj.com

Susan Loyer covers Middlesex County and more for MyCentralJersey.com. To get unlimited access to her work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Monroe Township NJ Councilwoman Elizabeth Schneider dies at 88