Obituary of Bessie "Betty" Pearce

Bessie “Betty” Pearce (nee Miners), wife of the late Ben “Benny” Pearce, of Rockaway Township, passed away peacefully with her loving daughter by her side on Saturday, Sept. 29^th, 2018 at Merry Heart Health Care Center in Succasunna. She was 85 years young.

Betty was born in Hibernia and raised in Lower Berkshire Valley, graduating from Roxbury High School class of 1951. Betty married the love of her life, Benjamin Franklin Pearce III on March 19^th 1955. Together they shared 49 years of unconditional love and happiness at their home in Rockaway Township before he passed in September 11, 2003.

Betty was employed by Austenal early in her career before becoming the first Licensed Woman Barber in the state of New Jersey. Betty owned and operated her own barbershop in Mount Arlington for many years before retiring in 1973. Betty was Ben’s right hand woman though many business endeavors including “Benny’s Umbrella Room” for 39 years.

Betty enjoyed being a snowbird and wintering in Florida for many years with Ben as well as traveling with Ben and Dawn to numerous U.S.S. Wadsworth reunions over the years at various locations throughout the United States.

Betty was a live wire, ever ready to attend a party or go on adventures. She has been known to fly in ultralights and helicopters as well as zip lining at the age of 78 and skydiving at the age of 80. Her hobbies included reading, playing bingo, decorative painting, trips to Atlantic City (especially enjoying her time at the slot machines), and being Dawn’s sales woman at craft shows. Betty also volunteered her time at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover in the Women’s Health Center.

We find comfort in knowing that Betty is now reunited with her beloved husband Ben and her siblings and in-laws, Peter Miners, Jr., Gladys & Jack Goldsworthy, Eileen and Robert Waldron, Margaret Miners, Linda Miners, Sis and Frank Fucito, William and Barbara Pearce, Jean Ziccarello, Richard and Emma Pearce, and Harry Beach.

She leaves only joyful memories to her treasured daughter, Dawn P. Davis; her caring brothers, Edward Miners and Francis Miners and his wife Diane; her loving in-laws, Katherine Beach, and Jess Ziccarello; her cherished daughters, Diane Unger and Debbie Smith; her special sons, Tom Stalter and Keith Davis; and her dear friend, Dottie Gunther. Betty was considered the “Queen” by more nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends than you can shake a stick at!

Public Visitation will be held on Wed., Oct. 3^rd from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Funeral Service will take place on Thurs., Oct. 4^th at 11 am at the Funeral Home. Memorial Donations are being accepted by way of www.inmemoryof-memorial.org. Please leave a condolence and special memory for her family.

Forever young at heart, rest in peace Betty, God Bless you!