Elizabeth "Betty" C. Kirwan

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Betty Kirwan, on October 11th, 2026, at the home of her daughter Linda after a brief illness.

Born in 1934 in Lakewood, NJ, daughter of the late George Housen and Linda Calbhin Housen.

Betty graduated from St. Rose High School, Belmar, NJ, and from St. Michael's Hospital School of Nursing, Newark, NJ, where she received her RN. Betty worked for several years in the Labor and Delivery department of Pt Pleasant Hosp, NJ.

Betty met her husband, Harry, from Chicago, at a roller skating rink in New Jersey. They married in 1955 and had 7 children. Harry was in the US Army, and so began their life of travel and adventures, around the country and around the world. With Harry's retirement in 1976, they settled in Toms River, NJ. They continued to travel and enjoy the world together until Harry's passing in 1992. After moving to TR, Betty worked for Macy's at the Ocean County Mall for over 20 years.

Betty loved gardening & continued to travel after Harry's passing to visit family and friends, and had many trips and adventures with her children.

Betty was a 60-year member of St. Joseph's Church in Toms River, NJ, where she volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She was also a hospice volunteer at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ.

Along with Harry and her parents, she was predeceased by her brother George, her son-in-law Matt Hartmann, and her grandsons, Anthony and Michael.

She is survived by her 7 children, Joseph Kirwan, Toms River, NJ, Patrick (Donna) Kirwan, Dallas, TX, Linda (Vince) Joseph, Center Valley, PA, Michael (Ann) Kirwan, Toms River, NJ, Mary Ellen (Donnie) Waterson, Allen, TX, Kathleen Kirwan, Toms River, NJ, and Kelly Kirwan, Allen, TX.

Grandchildren: Deven Skyers, Maggie Kirwan, Matthew Kirwan. Grand-dog Duchess, three step-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren. Nephew Sean (Lisa) Kirwan.

With her passing, we remember a life fully lived with immense love, understanding, gratitude, and a constant sense of caring. We will miss her greatly.