Elizabeth Jane (Kohler) Chamberlin

Elizabeth Jane “Betty” Chamberlin, 90, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully at the Pendle House on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Born on December 13, 1933, in Mishawaka, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Howard Sr. and Florine (VanHuffell) Kohler. Betty graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1951. On February 15, 1958, she married Joseph Chamberlin Sr. at St. Bavo Catholic Church in Mishawaka. They shared nearly 64 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in January of 2022. Betty and Joe cherished traveling together, especially escaping Indiana winters for the warmth of Palmetto, Florida.

Betty is survived by her children: Joseph (Becky) Chamberlin Jr., Geneva (Tim) Brennan, Angel (Derron) Hess, Regina (Joe) Gomes, and Melanie (John) Chamberlin-Dorsch. She was a proud grandmother to 19 grandchildren—Joseph III, Ryan, Craig, Erin, Mary, Kelsey, John, Christina, Jake, Caitlin, Alec, Joey, Liz, Cassandra, Kenny, Alexis, Merideth, Courtney, and Valerie—as well as 25 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Howard “Snook” Kohler, Robert Kohler, Arthur Kohler, Frances Klaer, Mary O’Conner, Geneva Haskell, and her infant sisters Elizabeth and Ruthie Kohler.

Visitation will take place from 4–7 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home in Mishawaka, followed by the recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Betty was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was active in the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, contributing to fundraising and the organization of Fall festivals. Known for her quiet and steadfast faith, she was a prayer warrior for anyone in need and found joy in journaling and prayer.

Her professional life included over 23 years of service to the School City of Mishawaka, working at Mary Phillips and Battell Elementary Schools before retiring as the Human Resources Secretary for the School City of Mishawaka Administration in the mid-1990s. Betty was also a dedicated member of the Mishawaka Businesswomen’s Club and an advocate for sobriety, actively supporting Al-Anon since 1962. She also was part of a golf and bowling league.

In her personal life, Betty loved dancing, singing, sewing, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family. She adored cuddling and spoiling her grandchildren, had a deep love for babies, and was known for her fun-loving, hardworking, and selfless spirit. Betty always went out of her way to help others, never expecting anything in return. She was a volunteer for her children’s schools, baking many goodies for all of their classrooms and served as a PTA president. Camping was also a huge part of her life, especially at Hemlock Lake. She also loved making memories every weekend at various campgrounds with her young family and her friends.

In her memory, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church for the stained-glass window restoration project, or the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. To light a virtual candle, share a story, or leave a message of comfort, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.