Betty Lea McPherson

Elizabeth L. McPherson, 86, of Pittstown, New Jersey,passed away on September 23, 2024, at home. She was born on February 16, 1938, in Easton, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late George and Eula (Gibson) Howard.

Betty Lea married John H. McPherson on September 26, 1959, and enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage. They lived in downtown Pittstown before building and moving into the house ‘up on the hill’ that John built in 1964. They raised their children, John L. and Becky, and welcomed Les and Barbara Thomas into their family, along with many others.

Betty Lea was preceded in death by Becky and Barbara but is survived by countless friends and family who are forever grateful for her love, laughter, compassion, and generosity. She is also survived by her sister: Shirley Schmidt; son-in-law: Bill Baker; daughter-in-law: Sue McPherson; grandchildren: Krissy (Danny) Pydynowski, Jennifer Thomas, Kim (Ben) Heverly, Allisen (Thomas) Altvater, Roy Thomas, and Elizabeth and Julia McPherson; great-grandchildren: Chase Britt; Thomas Jr., Faith, John Henry, and David Altvater; Riley Thomas; and Beau, Andi Rebecca, and Nora Heverly; the spouses of Bill and Les: Valerie (daughter, Nina) and Casie, respectively; and several nieces and nephews.

Betty Lea grew up in Milford, New Jersey, and graduated from Frenchtown High School and Muhlenberg Hospital School of Nursing. She was a life-long nurse, working at the hospital and various doctor offices before retiring from the Hunterdon Developmental Center. She was an active member of the Cherryville Baptist Church, Eastern Star, Ladies Guild, Quakertown Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, and Hunterdon Quilting Club.

She always said that her favorite pastime was watching the waves crash on the beach during her annual trips to Lavallette, New Jersey, with her family and friends. She loved interacting and playing with children, always having a game on hand or a gallon of bubbles ready.

Betty Lea had a variety of animals living on the hill, from cows and chickens to dogs and cats. She finally fulfilled her childhood dream of owning a pony, "Tinker," twenty years ago. She cherished these animals, as well as her time sewing, crafting, and cooking. Grammy Mac’s famous Mac and Cheese recipe was always a staple of the minister, church family, and many others.

Family and friends are invited to Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington NJ on Monday, September 30, for the visitation from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with services from the Nightingale Nurses Honor Guard of New Jersey at 6 p.m. and an Eastern Star service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 1, at 11 a.m. at Cherryville Baptist Church with her son-in-law, Pastor Bill Baker, officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Cherryville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cherryville Baptist Church, 594A Cherryville Rd., Flemington, New Jersey 08822.

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.