Elizabeth Louise Tuleja, a lifelong New Jersey resident, died at her home in Somerset on June 14. Born Elizabeth Stokes in New Brunswick in 1921, Betty was raised by her Irish mother, Elizabeth Meagher Stokes, and German father, Edward Stokes, in a house that he built on Nichol Avenue known for its elaborate Christmas decorations and luxurious rose garden. After graduating from New Brunswick High School and the New Jersey College for Women, she married a young naval officer and college professor, Thaddeus Vincent Tuleja, in 1943. When their fourth child was born several years later, Ted and Betty moved to Somerset, where they lived together until his death in 2001. A proud navy wife and an exuberant hostess at St. Peter's College faculty parties, Betty had a passion for "proper" English, a fine head for numbers, her father's green thumb, and a hearty, unmistakable Irish laugh. As her children's loving guide and most enthusiastic cheerleader, she hand sewed their Halloween costumes, helped them with thousands of homework lessons, played a mean game of Hearts, and cooked the best Yorkshire pudding this side of the Atlantic. Until nearly the end of her long, active life, Betty read the New York Times every day and maintained a lively interest in current events. She loved roses, presidential biographies, Jeopardy, Tony Bennett, a cold glass of beer, and black coffee so strong it made grown men cry. Betty is survived by her children Tad (of Austin, Texas), Eddie ( of Tasmania, Australia), Betty Anne (of Somerville), and Greg (of Southampton, Massachusetts); by her grandchildren Noah, Adriana, India, Linton, Harley, and Owen; and by her great-granddaughter Eloise. Family and friends may pay their respects from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, June 18, at the Boylan Funeral Home, 188 Easton Avenue in New Brunswick. A gathering will take place 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, at the Funeral Home prior to burial at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown, N.J. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to any U.S. Veterans' association.