Elizabeth Ann Adelhelm

Elizabeth A. Adelhelm, a devoted homemaker and loving mother, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, at the age of 92. Born on November 4, 1932, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Elizabeth graced the lives of those around her with her kindness and selflessness throughout her remarkable journey.

A proud graduate of Nutley High School, class of 1950, Elizabeth dedicated her life to family. She was an exceptional mother to three children: Marybeth Thompson (husband, Bob), John Adelhelm (wife, Aileen O'Driscoll), and Mark Adelhelm. Elizabeth cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, Michael Thompson (wife, Lexi), John Thompson (wife,Noelle), Sean Adelhelm, Robert Adelhelm, Elizabeth Adelhelm, and Claire Adelhelm, and was a constant source of support as she cheered them on during their academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Together with her late husband, John G. Adelhelm, affectionately known as Jack, Elizabeth created a lifetime of beautiful memories. In 1969, they purchased two sandy lots on Long Beach Island in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey, where they built a small, single-story, three-bedroom house in 1970. Over time, as the family grew, so did the house with multiple additions to ensure everyone was always welcome. For 54 years, this cherished location became a familial haven each summer, filled with laughter, joy, and delicious family dinners that brought loved ones together.

Elizabeth’s spirit remained vibrant in everything she did, whether as an avid tennis player through her early 60s or as a figure of strength and support for her family. Her dedication extended beyond the personal; she was incredibly proud of her youngest son, Mark, with whom she shared a special bond throughout the years. Together, they navigated life’s challenges, including the loss of Jack at 64 in 1997. Elizabeth was a steadfast presence at every Special Olympics event where Mark participated, celebrating his achievements in sports like softball, basketball, and bowling, and standing proudly by his side as he graduated from Central Bucks West.

Her commitment to helping others extended into her community as well, where she served as a past President of the Bucks Association for Retarded Citizens (BARC) and was actively involved with Central Bucks Special Friends, always striving to lend a hand to those with special needs.

Elizabeth is lovingly remembered by her daughter, son, and grandchildren, as well as her sister, Catherine Schilling (husband, Leonard). She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth Cox; her husband, Jack; and her siblings, Michael Cox (wife, Rosemary), Margaret Peters (husband, Edward), and William "Bill" Cox, Jr.

As we reflect on Elizabeth's life, we celebrate a woman whose kindness and compassion touched everyone who had the privilege to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will endure in the hearts and minds of her family and friends. Her gentle nature and selfless ways ensured that no one ever had a bad thing to say about her. Elizabeth Adelhelm will be deeply missed, yet her memory will forever live on through the countless lives she impacted with her unwavering warmth and grace.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown where relatives and friend will be received from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m.  Interment will follow Mass in Doylestown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Elizbaeth's name may be made to BARC Development Services, 4950 York Road, Holicong, PA 18928 (https://www.barcprograms.org)