Elizabeth Freeman

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Betty immigrated with her parents, Thomas & Mary “Mamie” Garrett, to the United States when she was 17 years old. Upon arrival they resided in Passaic NJ. Betty married “her Al” in 1953 and was his Wild Irish Rose for 60 years. In 1960 they moved to Lavallette, NJ where they raised their two daughters, Linda Jane and Elizabeth. Betty & Al moved to the Sonata Bay Community in Bayville for their retirement years. In 2015, Betty moved to Toms River to reside with her daughter Elizabeth & her husband Michael.

Throughout Betty’s life her favorite pastimes were traveling with “her Al” and attending her grandchildren’s recitals, plays and sporting events. She loved hosting her annual New Year's Eve Slumber party for her grandchildren, where pots and pans would be banged and shenanigans would be had; always followed by a New Year's Day luncheon. She also loved watching soccer, golf, tennis and college football. She was a diehard Notre Dame fan and Rod Stewart’s biggest fan. In her younger days, she was a member of the College & Business club (the CBs) the Order of the Eastern Star and active in the Lavallette PTA. She loved being by the sea, both here in the “States” and “back home” in Ireland. Betty’s support and love for her family was strong and apparent right up until her last day.

A very strong woman, she will be remembered as always being there to listen to who ever needed her words of support, encouragement and praise.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Alexander; her brother, James Garrett; brother in law, Arthur Freeman; and many other friends and relatives she held dear.

Betty’s legacy of unconditional love is left behind with her daughters, Linda Jane Forsyth, Elizabeth Dorick and husband Michael; her grandchildren, Allison Forsyth-Foy, Thomas Forsyth and his wife Christine, Robert Forsyth and his fiancé Samatha, Sarah Forsyth, Mary Dorick-Gatti and her husband Dante, Matthew Dorick and his wife Megan. She was also blessed to be Grammy Betty to her great grandchildren, Derek Thomas Gatti, Robert Alexander Foy, Raeleigh Elizabeth Dorick, Cailin Rose Forsyth, Theresa Cardone and Madeline Silletti. Also left to share in her memories are sisters in law, Evelyn Borio and Florence Garrett; niece Kathy Chandler and husband Michael; nephews, Kenneth Freeman and wife Marcy, James Garrett and wife Peggy; cousins, Gray Horner, and Tom Horner along with their families.

At Betty’s (aka Betts, Mom, GB, Grammy Betty & Grams) request, there will be no visitation or services. Her exact words were “Just have a big party with laughter and love” so in keeping with her very specific wishes a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, please feel free to remember her when you watch a Notre Dame game, hear bagpipes, or walk near the sea.

Betty, Betty, Betty; Forever Young.