Elizabeth M. Nast

On Wednesday, December 16, 2020, Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Nast (né Harnett), loving wife, mother of three children, and “Grammy” to four grandchildren, passed away at the age of 71. Elizabeth was born on January 18, 1949 in the Bronx, NY, to John and Mary Virginia (Haskins) Harnett. She received a BS from Fordham University in 1971, and a teaching certification from Rider University. On June 24, 1972, she married James “Jim” Richard Nast. They raised two daughters, Melissa Parrillo and Elizabeth Weatherwax, and one son, James R. Nast, Jr. Betty taught math and religion at St. Matthias in Franklin, NJ until she retired. She fulfilled her dream to move to the beach with Jim, where she loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Betty was a dedicated mother and grandmother who served as Girl Scout leader & classroom parent, and attended countless tennis matches, soccer, lacrosse, and football games, school plays, performances, and graduations. One of her favorite activities was sitting on the roof deck, sipping a piña colada, watching the sun set, and talking with Jim. Betty was much admired not only by friends and family, but also by her colleagues and students. She was known for her wonderful sense of humor, infectious laugh, and her kind and generous spirit. Betty was preceded in death by her parents “Jack” & “Jeanie” Harnett. She is survived by her husband Jim, their three children Melissa, Elizabeth, and J.R., her grandchildren Elizabeth “Ellie”, Lucy, Mitchell, and Liam, her brother, John Harnett and three nieces, and a nephew. A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 21, 2020, at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home in Flemington NJ (by invitation, due to COVID). The family is planning a Celebration of Betty Nast’s Life, when outdoor gatherings are possible, and will welcome all who loved her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or St. Matthias School, 170 JFK Boulevard, Somerset, NJ 08873. For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.