Annabelle Boehm, 74, of Middletown, passed away Aug. 21, 2023.
Annabelle grew up the daughter of Herbert, a World War II veteran and multi-skilled laborer, and Heidi, who taught her strength, the value of living a life and appreciation for nature, art and friendship.
Annabelle would often share stories of meeting her mother in New York City to have dinners and see shows on Broadway. Herbert passed along a love of gardening, an appreciation of music and nature. His can-do spirit made Annabelle a force in any challenge she embraced.
Annabelle met the love of her life Heinz in Manhattan, married him and together they had two boys. Early on she settled in South Ozone Park, New York, where she was involved in the local schools and parish and was a mom to the neighborhood kids. There she found her second calling as an educator.
She studied at Kean University where she graduated with honors for both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Annabelle worked in special education and assisted thousands of children. Her fun, outgoing, motherly spirit endeared her to all who met her.
Annabelle relocated the family to Middletown, where she worked in various school districts across central New Jersey. After serving as a paraprofessional, teacher, child study team member and supervisor of special education, she became a college professor at Kean University. There, she trained a new generation of teachers on how to serve the students she spent so many years working with.
When her youngest joined the band, Annabelle was the first to volunteer and the loudest to cheer them on.
Annabelle lost her beloved husband a decade after moving to Middletown. She refocused her energy on putting her youngest son through college and guiding her eldest son as he began developing a successful career in the automotive service industry.
Annabelle spent her retired years enjoying her expanding family, traveling the world and sharing stories of her adventures with family and friends. Annabelle’s kindness and love of people live on through her sons, Paul and Eric (Carol), who survive her. Annabelle’s spirit can be felt, and laughter can be heard echoing from her two grandchildren, Sofia and Cecilia. She adored her granddaughters and would take every opportunity to share her love with her generosity and life lessons. She would often say, “We don’t give up, we dust ourselves off and try harder.” She not only spoke these pearls of wisdom but taught these lessons by example.
Annabelle can be viewed from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31 at John F Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown. A funeral Mass will be held at Mary, Mother of God Church at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1. She will be laid to rest immediately after at Mount Olivet Cemetery where she will join her beloved Heinz in eternal sleep.
This article originally appeared in the August 31 – September 6, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
