Obituary of Elizabeth A. Lydon

Bette (Elizabeth) Ann Lydon (nee Hambor) is at peace in Heaven with her loving husband Paul after she passed away from an unexpected complication following open heart surgery on February 11, 2016. Bette was an incredible mother, sister, aunt, nonna and friend who brought joy to everyone she met. She never hesitated to share her strong opinion - whether you wanted to hear it or not - but that is what made her so influential to so many. No matter what was going on in her life, Bette was always there for her family and friends. Her laugh, stories, wit and most importantly, unconditional love will be cherished forever. Bette was born on December 18, 1948 in Passaic, NJ to the late Andrew and Violet (nee Buday) Hambor. She grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ. She attended Paterson StateTeachers College (William Paterson University) where she earned her teaching degree. For 40 years she taught at School 13 in Paterson, NJ. She started as a 3rd grade teacher, became a remedial reading specialist, and ended her career as the school librarian. She was an amazing teacher and a mentor to so many of her colleagues and students. Bette believed that everyone had the potential for greatness. She was also a union representative for the Paterson Education Association and a party planner extraordinaire for School 13 teachers' celebrations. After retiring, Bette volunteered at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood and was a member of the Bergen Beauties Chapter of the Red Hat Society. She was also a member of the Bergen & Passaic Counties Retired Teachers Associations, NJREA, & NREA, NJ Association of School Librarians, & the Belles & Beaux Square Dance Club. Bette was an avid traveler. She loved to see the world and learn about different cultures. But, she also loved Surf City, Long Beach Island. It was a special place for her and she spent many memorable summers there with family and friends.Bette never stopped helping, learning and enjoying life with those she loved. Bette and her husband Paul met in high school and were married on July 4, 1971. Her children, Jena (Habermas), Ann (Weigle) and Andrew were the lights of her life. But, the brightest lights of her life were her grandsons, Ethan Weigle and Luke Habermas and granddaughters Allison and Camden Weigle. She was the most loving and adoring grandmother (Nonna) the world has ever seen. Besides her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sons-in-laws, Paul Habermas and Dan Weigle, her sister, Nancy (Hopp), sisters and brothers-in-laws, Pat and Bob Zampi and Maureen and Phil Pryjma, many nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends -- whom she called almost every day! Visitation will be Thursday, February 18 from 3 to 7 PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 am on Friday, February 19, 2016 at St. Columba R. C. Church, 27 High St, Chester, NY. Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Chester, NY. To leave a condolence visit www.donovanfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Bette's memory to the American Heart Association or the Goshen Humane Society, Inc. PO Box 299 Goshen, NY 10924. The moment that you left us our hearts were split in two, one side filled with memories and other side died with you. Remembering you will be easy, we'll do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that will never go away. We'll hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain; you see, life will go on without you, but it will never be the same.