Obituary of Jacquelyn Bette

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Edwina Clifford Bette, 87, passed away on Wednesday, July, 2, 2025 at her West Orange, NJ home with her loving family by her side.

Jackie was born December 31, 1937 in Orange, NJ to John Edward Clifford and Emily Catherine Clifford. She was the oldest of four siblings: John Clifford, Catherine (Cathy) and Daniel Clifford. Jackie often shared fond memories of working at the Claremont Diner in Verona, Pleasantdale Bakery, and the Cabana Club in West Orange. As a child, she enjoyed reading and taking care of her baby brother, Daniel.

Jackie married James (Jim) Bette on December 21, 1968. Jackie and Jim met at a party in 1965 for the newly created West Orange First Aid Squad, where Jim worked as an EMT. They were introduced through Jackie's sister, Cathy and it was that night that she knew she would marry him. 

Jackie graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, NJ and went on to the College of Saint Elizabeth's. After graduation she started her career as a social worker with the Essex County Welfare Board and later, as a Probation Officer in Newark. Many times she would fondly share her stories from the experiences there, taking great pride in her work helping others. Jackie later received her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Seton Hall University. She started teaching Kindergarten at Roosevelt Elementary School in West Caldwell and went on to work for the Essex County Commission of New Jersey where she proudly taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to children of all ages. 

Jackie is survived by her loving husband, Jim; sister, Cathy; children, James Bette and her Daughter-in-Law, Sue; and Jacquelyn (Jackie) Albietz and Son-in-Law, Pete; 3 grandchildren, James, Peter and Penelope. 

She was preceded in death by her brothers, John and Dan Clifford. 

Jackie will be especially remembered by her love of teaching children and her love and compassion for others. 

Visitation; Sunday, July 6th, 2025, 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Dangler Funeral Home, 340 Main St., West Orange, NJ, 07052

Memorial Service; Monday, July 7, 2025, 10:00 A.M., St Joseph's Church, 44 Benvenue Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052