Obituary of Elizabeth "Beth" Wroblewski

Elizabeth “Beth” Wroblewski, 55, of Millburn, passed away on Monday, January 12th. Her family knows that she is now in heaven smiling, laughing, and singing.

Beth was blessed in many ways throughout her life. She was born in New York City, where God lovingly guided her birth mother to place her for adoption. Beth lived at The Foundling in New York City for several months before God brought Jim and Maureen Burbage into her life, who adopted her and provided a wonderful and loving family. Beth was raised in Bronxville, New York, where she cherished time with her family and formed lasting friendships at St. Joseph’s School in Bronxville and The Ursuline School in New Rochelle. Even as a child, Beth was known for her ever-present smile, joyful laughter, and love of singing.

After graduating high school, Beth attended Lafayette College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and became a certified teacher. She was again richly blessed during her college years, forming close friendships and participating in activities that she loved. Beth was a member of the Lafayette College Choir and performed in several musicals. One of her most treasured experiences was singing in the choir at Sunday Mass. It was at Lafayette that she met Joe, who would become her husband. Throughout her college years, Beth continued to be known for her joy, warmth, and song.

Following Lafayette, Beth earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from Fordham University as she began her teaching career. She was blessed to return to her high school alma mater, The Ursuline School, where she taught for several years. As a teacher, Beth touched the lives of countless students through her patience, compassion, and devotion. Many students fondly remember that their classroom was filled not only with learning, but also with Beth’s smiling, laughing, and singing.

The greatest love for Beth was her three children. Beth and Joe were blessed with three wonderful children who filled her heart with immeasurable joy. She loved raising them and was deeply involved in every stage of their lives, volunteering at countless events from preschool through high school for more than fifteen years. Many children, parents, and teachers were fortunate to experience Beth’s joyful spirit and infectious smile along the way.

Beth was also deeply connected to St. Rose of Lima Church. She was a member of the Family Mass Singing Group for several years, taught CCD for a decade, participated in women’s Bible studies, and served as an active member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She was honored and humbled to serve a term as President of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. All who encountered Beth at St. Rose knew her as a woman of faith, joy, laughter, and song.

Beth was blessed with a large and loving extended family and treasured time spent at family gatherings with the Wroblewskis, Burbages, McQuades, Marturanas, and many others. She was deeply loved by her family, who will forever remember her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and joyful singing.

Beth was predeceased by her father, James Burbage. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joe Wroblewski; her cherished children, Luke Michael, Matthew Joseph, and Julia Rose Wroblewski; her mother, Maureen Burbage; her brother, Michael Burbage; and her devoted granddog, Dreamboat the Pitbull, one of many adopted pets who were part of her journey and brought her much happiness.

Visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, on Friday, January 16, from 4:00–7:00 PM, with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM, preceded by a prelude at 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ  or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital