Please click here to view the recording of the service from February 26, 2021

(recording is available for 30 days from the date of the service)

Elisabeth Joseph, of Monroe Township, NJ, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the age of 97.

Born in Berlin, Germany, Elisabeth survived the Holocaust by working as a maid for a family who entertained Nazis, a family who protected her with food, shelter, and false identity papers. Her brother, Hans Martin Jacoby was deported to Auschwitz and her parents, Bruno and Ella Jacoby, were deported and murdered in Riga, Latvia.

After the war, Elisabeth married Ernst Joseph, who survived by living in a small room for 27 months, protected by an ordinary German couple.  In 1948, Elisabeth and Ernst immigrated to the United States.  There they reunited with Ernst’s brother Gerhard in Trenton, NJ who was able to escape Germany in 1938.

Elisabeth and Ernst settled in Hamilton Township and later moved to Ewing Township.

Elisabeth was predeceased by her husband Ernst and her granddaughter, Amy Grossman. She is survived by her loving daughter Evelyn Grossman and her husband, Dr. Leonard Grossman, her grandson, Dr. Eric Grossman and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Grossman of Santa Barbara, CA and great grandchildren, Josephine, Knox and James. In addition, she is survived by her nieces, Judi and Barbara and their children and grandchildren.

Elisabeth was a devoted mother who gave her only child Evelyn deep love and support. Elisabeth was an avid swimmer and shared that passion with her grandchildren, taking them to the JCC pool, plus cheering on Eric and Amy at their many soccer and lacrosse games.

For fifteen years Elisabeth worked as a salesperson at Dunham’s department store in Trenton and Lawrenceville. The store was later acquired by Burlington Coat Factory, where Elisabeth continued to work part time.

After retirement, Elisabeth moved to Concordia, an adult community in Monroe Township.  Her natural charm and joie de vivre brought her many new friendships and an opportunity to participate with the Rock N Rollers and continue a life-long passion for dance.

Elisabeth traveled back to Berlin with her daughter Evelyn in 1995 to reconnect with the German friend who saved her life.  A few years later, she honored her rescuer with the title of Righteous Among the Nations.

Funeral services are Friday, February 26 at 11:00 am at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing Township, NJ, and will be livestreamed via Zoom. Those who wish to attend only the graveside service should arrive by 11:45 am at Fountain Lawn Memorial Park, 545 Eggert Crossing Road, Ewing Township, NJ

Memorial contributions may be made to Met Council on Jewish Poverty, 77 Water St., 26th Floor, New York, NY 10005 or Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey, 1384 Perrineville Rd, Monroe Township, NJ 08831.