Elizabeth Mae Harkness

Elizabeth Mae Harkness (nee Sutton) passed away on April 18, 2023 at the age of 90. She was born on May 20, 1932 in Abington, PA to Isabel Sutton (nee Leonard) and James Sutton. She was a graduate of Norristown High School. She is predeceased by her husband, James H. Harkness, Sr. Elizabeth (Bette) met James at the Silly Dilly in Beach Haven in the mid-fifties. They were married on June 9, 1956 and raised their six children in Drexel Hill, PA. They spent their weekends and summers at their family beach house in Beach Haven, NJ. Bette loved her flowers and her garden, family cookouts, going to the beach, going to flea markets and yard sales, attending the Wednesday night concerts at Beach Haven Bicentennial Park and visiting with neighbors on her front deck. Her favorite color was red and her favorite singer was Elvis Presley. She enjoyed the presence of cardinals who would frequently visit and knew that her husband Jim was sitting with her on the deck. She especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great -grandchildren. She loved her family and friends and filled her home with warmth and kindness. She was so welcoming to everyone who wanted to stop by and chat with her. She was the life of the party and her smile lit up the room. She made an impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence with her bubbly personality and infectious laugh. She loved when her family called her Betty White and was also known as the Silver Fox. Bette was also an avid Phillies and Eagles fan. Bette was one of a kind and LBI will not be the same without her presence. Many memories were made with Mom Mom and Pop Pop during LBI summers and on family trips to the Outer Banks. Bette and Jim planted a family tree in Beach Haven and that legacy continues to grow.

She is survived by her 6 children, James H. Harkness, Jr. (Susan) of Manahawkin, NJ, Dean Harkness (Deborah) of Beach Haven, NJ, Gary Harkness of Manahawkin, NJ, Craig Harkness (Andrea) of West Chester, PA, Beth Harkness of Beach Haven, NJ and Stacey McCarthy (Joseph) of Drexel Hill, PA, along with 16 grandchildren, Dylan (Annie), Tyler, Sarah, Jane (Martin Shay), Jennifer, Jessica, Shane, Amanda, Craig Jr. (Kayla), Abrianna (Jake Conte), Veronica, Erin (Kevin Cassel), Ryan, Grace, and Connor McCarthy, Brooke Harkness, and four great-grandchildren, Hunter Harkness, Vincent and Gianna Conte, and Colton Cassel.

A memorial service will be held at The Kynett United Methodist Church of Beach Haven, NJ. on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kynett United

Methodist Church of Beach Haven , NJ.