Obituary of Elizabeth L. Borgmann

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Lillian Borgmann, age 78, formerly of Schwenksville, PA, passed away with her three devoted daughters by her side, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Betty was born in Woodbury, NJ on January 28, 1947, the second daughter of the late James and Lillian (Ray) Renard.  Betty’s poise and beauty led to her being chosen as the eighth grade graduation queen of National Park, NJ.  However much more than a pretty face, Betty was also a scholastically focused student, winning The American Legion School Award for courage, leadership, honor, service and scholarship.  She graduated from Woodbury High School in 1965. 

After High School, Betty left her childhood home to attend Helene Fuld’s School of Nursing on scholarship in Ewing, and received her Associates Degree in 1968 and registered nursing license. She also attended Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science for 72 credits towards her Bachelors of Science degree.  Betty worked in various hospital settings before finding her passion as a psychiatric nurse.  

During her psychiatric nursing career Betty received several honors.  While at Charter Fairmount Institute in the late 1980’s, she got the Staff Nurse Recognition Award for outstanding performance in professional responsibility and devotion to the highest standards of nursing care.  In 2002, Betty also received the Elizabeth Brumbaugh Award in the Partial Hospital Program at Horizon House.  Among the many reasons listed for her nomination were Betty’s advocacy on behalf of individuals with special needs, her professionalism, integrity, energy, ‘people skills’, and ability to work under pressure.  ‘Nurse Betty’ went above and beyond the ordinary to promote the wellness of others and adored doing it.  After more than 40 years, she retired in 2013 to care for her ailing husband.    

Speaking of the love of her life, Betty met George Augustus Borgmann, at the Dancette Club in Oaklyn, NJ shortly after starting her career.  They married on June 5th, in 1970.  Betty and George built a home where they lived happily during 44 years of marriage, in Schwenksville, PA.  They grew a family of three daughters that they loved and supported in all their endeavors.  In her spare time, Betty enjoyed entertaining, spending time with friends, cooking, planting flowers, gambling at the casinos, and traveling, especially to the beach. Shortly after George’s passing in 2015, Betty became paralyzed from a sepsis infection following spinal surgery. She subsequently moved to Allentown, PA, to receive care close to her family.

During her final ten years, Betty demonstrated true grit and everlasting hope in her dream to walk again.  She never stopped working towards her goal despite the obstacles she faced. Betty even learned how to drive a van in her power chair to maximize her fierce independence.  

Betty’s legacy is survived by her three loving daughters, Kelley Borgmann of Harleysville, PA, Kimberly Borgmann-Hayes (Dennis) of Mount Laurel, NJ, and Kirsten Borgmann-Heller (Jeffrey) of Allentown, PA; sister, Lillian Brittingham; and five grandchildren, Sydney, Jordan, Wyeth, Ellis, and Khloe.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  

Along with her husband and parents, Betty was preceded in death by her siblings, James Renard, Jr. (Marianne) and Joan Spissel (Richard).  

Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday morning, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401.  Her Memorial Service will be held immediately after at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will follow the Memorial Service at St. Patrick Cemetery, East Norriton, PA.  Afterwards a luncheon at Panache Restaurant in Blue Bell, PA will continue the celebration of Betty’s life.  

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation at https://www.christopherreeve.org/

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 19 East Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA, (610) 277-1600
www.msrfh.com