Obituary of Elizabeth M. Noetzli

Elizabeth Marion Noetzli (née Schafer), a lifelong New Vernon resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the age of 80.  

Elizabeth touched many lives and was deeply loved by her family and friends. She had a big heart for all of her kids, whether they were her own or the thousands of children she served lunch to at Kings Road School in Madison and the other schools in Madison, Harding & Bernardsville that she worked at over the past four decades. She had recently retired during the 2024 Christmas break.  

Elizabeth was the loving mother of Melissa Sciaretta and her husband Mike, and Ken Noetzli and his wife Melissa. She was also survived by four cherished grandchildren, Michael Sciaretta Jr., Jenna Sciaretta, Shawn Elizabeth Noetzli & Scott Noetzli; her daughter-in-law, Darlene Cappel; one sister, Virginia Finn; and one sister-in-law, Judith Rauter.  

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth was predeceased by her beloved husband, Roger Noetzli in 2011; and her two brothers, Allen & Tom Schafer.  

Elizabeth was born in Morristown to the late Herbert and Louise Schafer. She was raised in New Vernon with her siblings and was a graduate of Morristown High School. When she and her husband Roger were married, they settled in Elizabeth’s childhood home where they raised their family and she would live for her entire life. 

Elizabeth was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she loved her family tremendously. She gave back to her community and was always willing to help others in need. Elizabeth was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department for many years. She loved to take long walks and read a good mystery. Elizabeth and was also a lifelong Mets fan.  

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Elizabeth from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.  

Interment will follow at New Vernon Cemetery, New Vernon, NJ.  

Charitable contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, 22 Village Rd, New Vernon, NJ 07976