Elizabeth Grasmueck

The first member of her family of origin to be born in America, Elizabeth showed an aptitude for music at a very early age. She could sing, compose music and deftly play the piano, flute and accordion. Elizabeth graduated from Irvington High School and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Kean College majoring in, naturally, music. Elizabeth then obtained her Masters degree from Trenton State. She taught music for many years in the public school system and shared her passion for her craft by giving private voice and piano lessons. It was this love of music that led Elizabeth to found and expertly conduct The Garden State Singers, a chorale group that performed throughout the state. Elizabeth's abundant musical talent and abilities led her to be selected for the Robert Shaw Chorale where she performed at Carnegie Hall.

In addition to music, what Elizabeth loved most were her two sons and daughter-in-law. Alexander Hellwig and Richard (Melissa) Hellwig were her pride and joy, as well as her adored grandchildren, Mabel and Silas. In the later part of her life, talking often to Mabel and Silas on the telephone and sharing pieces of music with them gave Elizabeth indescribable joy. Elizabeth also leaves behind her beloved siblings, sister Pauline (Greg) Papailiou and brother Victor (Patricia) Grasmueck in addition to 3 nieces, 2 nephews and a combined 8 grand nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents.

Elizabeth, affectionately known by her family as "Lizzy" had a compassionate heart, a quick wit and an absolutely wonderful sense of humor. She was a true artist whose creativity knew no bounds. She will be remembered most as a loving daughter, sister and aunt and a devoted mother and grandmother.

The viewing will be held on Thursday April 21st at 10 am at Blake-Doyle Funeral Home, followed by a service at 11, located at 226 West Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108.