Betsy Ann Hollenack

January 1, 1934 - August 12, 2023

Betsy Ann Hollenack nee Schmidt was born on January 1, 1934, to her parents Nellie and Ralph Schmidt. She grew up on what the family knows as The Farm on Swedesboro Avenue in Gibbstown, New Jersey.
Betsy attended Paulsboro High School in New Jersey and studied at Goldey-Beacom College. She worked as a secretary for a while after graduation.

In February of 1953 Betsy married the love her life, Michael "Mike" Hollenack Jr.  He had to go off in the army for a while at the beginning of their marriage, but once he came home, they made a happy and loving life for themselves.  On September 6, 1955, they welcomed their first born, son Michael "Chip" the III.  Then in January of 1958 they welcome their daughter Marsha, into their family.  In 1964, they moved into a home that Mike helped build, right next door to Betsy's parents' home on Swedesboro Avenue. Chip and his wife, Patti, now live in that house and the farm is still a farm, her childhood home even still stands.

As Betsy and Mike's children grew, they began to provide foster care for infants.  Many infants passed through their home between birth and adoption.  It was a great joy for them both but especially Betsy to care for all those little lives.

Betsy was very much a family-oriented woman and also very strong in her religious beliefs.

Much happiness was felt by Betsy and Mike when their two grandsons, Travis Michael in 1987 and Ross Elliott in 1990, were born to their daughter, Marsha. They lived in Arizona, though, so thus began many travels to Arizona to be with them.  It was a very sad and difficult time when in 1991 Marsha was diagnosed with cancer.  Betsy went and spent the last months with Marsha and her family in Arizona, with Marsha ultimately passing in January 1992. After that, Travis and Ross would travel to New Jersey to spend time with their grandparents and other family.

A place near and dear to the family's heart was Stone Harbor, New Jersey.  Many family vacations were had there, and Betsy and Mike took great pleasure in taking Travis and Ross there.

In 2003 Mike was sadly diagnosed with cancer.  He fought it valiantly but ultimately passed in May of 2004.  At that time, they were living in Pitman Manor in Pitman, NJ, now known as United Methodist Communities Pitman.  Betsy often bragged about being the youngest resident there when they first moved in.  It is where Betsy would spend the rest of her days. However, before the cancer diagnosis, Betsy and Mike had a lovely ceremony and reception to renew their wedding vows around the time of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Until recent years, Betsy remained active with a long-standing club that included her lady friends.  Her grandsons remained a shining fixture in her life.

Although she did not show a lot of interest in it while Mike was still alive, afterwards, she took over his position as the big Phillies Phan.  She'd watch just about every game on tv.  She also enjoyed solitaire on her computer and even had a Facebook page on which she enjoyed sharing religious themed photos, memes and writings.

Betsy has now gone to join her Lord, as well as her family who have already passed, especially Mike and Marsha and her two sisters Mary Dee Schnell and Gloria Fastige.

Family and friends are invited to attend Betsy's Interment on Monday August 21, 2023 at 11:00am at Englington Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared @adamsstiefelfuneralhome.com