Obituary of Betty Jane McGunnigle

Betty Jane McGunnigle, 86, of Hackettstown, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2023. Betty Jane was born on December 13, 1936, in Somerville, NJ to the late Bertha and Harry Mowrey. She grew up in High Bridge, NJ, before settling down in Hackettstown in 1980. 

Betty Jane was instrumental in the starting of the New Jersey Department of Developmental Disability which provides foster care for people with disabilities. She served as an in-home caretaker for 20 years before retiring. 

Betty Jane was an avid decorator who transformed her home every month to reflect the season and the holiday. She collected antiques, her house filled with cases of dolls, porcelain butterflies, and Chihuahua figurines. She also enjoyed country music, watching MeTV, and going out to eat at the Cracker Barrel and Chinese buffets. Macaroni and cheese was her favorite meal. Throughout her life, Betty Jane had three Chihuahuas, Pepe, Tiny, and Krista who were her heart and joy.

Betty Jane is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert McGunnigle, her sons, Donald Reed Jr, Ronald Reed and his wife Annmarie, and Christopher McGunnigle. She has seven grandchildren Joshua, Denna, Donald III, Jahayra, Angela, Ronald Jr., and McKenzie, along with over a dozen great- and great-great-grandchildren.   

Betty Jane was preceded in death by her son, William Reed, who passed away in 2010, three brothers, Jacob Mowrey, Edward Mowery, and Richard Conklin, and a younger sister who died in early childhood,

Family and friends may gather on Thursday, August 24^th from 11:00 until 1:00 PM at the Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Ave, Washington, NJ, 07882. Words of Remembrance will be offered at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow at the Musconetcong Valley Cemetery, 108 Valley Rd, Hampton, NJ 08827. To send condolences to the family please visit www.knolldevoefh.com

In lieu of flowers donation may be made in Betty Jane's name to the North Shore Animal League America.  Please Click Here to Donate