Elizabeth M. Kuehne, 88

October 8, 1935 - November 06, 2023

Elizabeth M. Kuehne passed away on November 6, 2023, at The Glen at Willow Valley. Formerly of Summit, New Jersey, she resided at Willow Valley Retirement Community, Lancaster, PA for over 19 years. Born in Newark, NJ on October 8, 1935, to Leo and Martha Thomas, she resided in Irvington, NJ for her first 20 years, before moving to Maplewood, NJ.

She graduated from Irvington High School in 1954 and enrolled in the Grace Downs Air Career School in New York City. She graduated from the school after earning her air hostess wings and was hired by Eastern Airlines. A short time after being hired she was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, and as a result was grounded from any future as an air hostess.

Elizabeth was hired by Hahnes of Newark, NJ as a hostess in the bridal salon. In 1960, she enrolled in modeling school and entered the Miss New Jersey Contest where she finished as a finalist.

Elizabeth was a member of Long Hill Chapel, Chatham, NJ, for over 42 years. She served many years as director of Long Hill’s nursery department.

Elizabeth loved to work with flower arrangements made from her husband’s garden, and she continued to make her lovely displays at Willow Valley for her fellow residents to enjoy.

Her eye problems continued to get more serious as the years went by, and she endured 22 eye operations. Elizabeth was one of a very few to have artificial corneas in both eyes and was legally blind for her last few years.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Richard, daughter, Heather Bishop, and grandson, Joseph of Phillipsburg, NJ, brother, Leo Thomas, and sisters-in-law, Elain Thomas of Pompton Plains, NJ and Nel Kuehne of Basking Ridge, NJ.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.