Newton, NJ, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Betty Westbrook, a devoted nurse and community member from Newton, NJ, has passed away at 82. Her 46-year nursing career and 20 years as a school bus driver reflect her lifelong commitment to service. Westbrook was also an elder at her church, actively involved in uplifting her community. Survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she leaves a legacy of love, family ties, and cherished memories, including her remarkable chocolate chip cookies.
Newton, NJ – Betty Westbrook, a lifelong nurse, devoted mother, and committed community member, has passed away at the age of 82. Born in Frelinghuysen Township, NJ, to the late Henry and Elizabeth (Pettit) Westbrook, she embodied dedication to both her profession and family throughout her life. Westbrook spent 46 years as a nurse at Newton Hospital and later drove school buses for Fredon Elementary School and Kittatinny High School for 20 years.
Dedicating her life to service, Westbrook was also an active member and Church Elder at the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church in Fredon, serving on the Ladies Aid Society and various Senior Groups. Her impact on the community was profound, as she not only took care of patients in her professional life but also dedicated her time to uplift her community through her church involvement.
Westbrook faced health challenges when she survived a triple bypass surgery in April 2003, an experience that transformed her perspective on life. Family and friends became her priority, and she cherished the time spent with them. She is remembered fondly for her love of gardening, particularly flowers and vegetables, and for the joy she found sitting on her back deck overlooking the family farm while reminiscing through family photos. Her renowned chocolate chip cookies were a cherished treat among her family and friends.
Westbrook is survived by her children: Walter Orcutt (Robin) of Blairstown, NJ; John Orcutt (Chris) of Beaufort, SC; JoAnn Romano (Ray) of Mt. Bethel, PA; Sandy Casterline (Todd) of Hampton Township, NJ; and Donna Zilberfarb of Frelinghuysen Township, NJ. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, reflecting the deep family ties she nurtured throughout her life. She is also survived by two brothers, Amos Westbrook and Henry “Buck” Westbrook (Grace), and stepdaughter Brenda Scales (Jim). She was predeceased by her grandson Cory Casterline, sister-in-law Mary Lou Westbrook, and long-time companion Daniel Hall.
Visitation for family and friends will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Smith McCracken Funeral Home in Newton, NJ, from 3 PM to 7 PM. The Funeral Service will be held at the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 AM, followed by burial in the Yellow Frame Cemetery. A repass will be hosted at the church at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yellow Frame Ladies Auxiliary or the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church in Fredon, NJ. Memories and condolences can be shared at smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
Background on Betty Westbrook
Westbrook grew up on a family farm in Fredon Township, NJ, before earning her LPN License from Essex County Vocational School. She dedicated her professional life to nursing, helping patients and their families for nearly five decades. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a commitment not only to healthcare but also to nurturing her family and maintaining a vibrant community spirit.
Final Thoughts
Betty Westbrook’s legacy is one of service, love, and community involvement. As her family and friends come together to celebrate her remarkable life, those who knew her will carry her memory forward through their own acts of kindness and dedication.
FAQ
- What was Betty Westbrook’s profession? Betty Westbrook worked as a nurse for Newton Hospital for 46 years and also served as a school bus driver for Fredon Elementary School and Kittatinny High School for 20 years.
- Where did Betty Westbrook grow up? Betty Westbrook grew up on her family’s farm in Fredon Township, NJ.
- How many children did Betty Westbrook have? Betty Westbrook is survived by five children: Walter Orcutt, John Orcutt, JoAnn Romano, Sandy Casterline, and Donna Zilberfarb.
- What community organizations was she involved with? Betty Westbrook was an active member and Church Elder at the Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, a member of the Ladies Aid Society, and participated in various Senior Groups.
- What significant health event did Betty Westbrook survive? Betty Westbrook survived a triple bypass surgery in April 2003, which changed her outlook on life.
- When and where will the funeral service be held? The Funeral Service will be held at Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church in Fredon, NJ, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11 AM, with a visitation on Friday, October 10, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Betty Westbrook
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Smith McCracken Funeral Home
- Google Search: Community Service Importance
- Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Organization
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
