Elizabeth Wilder

August 30, 1921 – March 10, 2015

Our beloved Mother, Betty, passed away peacefully from our loving care into God’s waiting arms on, March 10, 2015, after a prolonged illness. She was surrounded by her devoted daughters, Deborah Wilder Silvers (Klemens), of Orlando, Florida, and Robin Ann Wilder of Sacramento, California. She was the beloved Grandmother of Rachel Wilder Silvers, and Thomas Christian Wilder Silvers. She is now reunited with her loving husband of 64 years, Elwin (Win) George Wilder who has been awaiting her arrival since 2011.

Betty was born in 1921 to Savino and Carmela Cimaglia in Madison, New Jersey. She was one of twelve wonderful siblings, who throughout their lives, remained close, loving brothers and sisters, as well as friends. Betty is survived by her brothers, Louis Cimaglia Sr., of Annapolis MD., John Cimaglia, of Duluth, Georgia, and her sister, Ann Fugina, of Sacramento, California. Growing up in Madison, she was nicknamed “Dolly” by her siblings as she was beautiful, spirited and fun! Even though in later years Betty didn’t care for the nickname, her brothers loved to tease her with it and often did! She was very special to all of her family and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who truly loved “Aunt Betty”.

Betty married Win Wilder in 1947 and for 35 years they lived and raised their family in Westfield, New Jersey. A fashion and retail expert, Betty worked for Westfield’s landmark custom men’s clothing store, John Franks, for 25 years and then Westfield’s Couture Fashion House, Felice. All the best dressed men and women came to see Betty for their everyday and special occasion needs, and she was well known throughout her community.

When Betty wasn’t working, she was entertaining, and loved hosting holidays, birthdays, and numerous parties at her home in Westfield and later in Lake Mary, Florida. Many an occasion was celebrated at “Betty and Win’s” house, and those memories are cherished by all her family and friends. Many a New Year’s Eve was spent with Betty clanging pots and pans around the house and sometimes the neighborhood to ring in the New Year. A wonderful hostess, and naturally talented cook, Betty loved her cooking shows and trying new recipes.

Known for her independent nature and take charge attitude, Betty enjoyed life to its fullest, and traveled to many places throughout the United States, and especially loved her trips to California to visit her daughter, Robin, and sister, Ann’s family.

In 1997, Betty and Win built a new home and moved to the beautiful community of Heathrow, in Lake Mary, Florida, to be close to their daughter Deborah’s family and grandchildren. She was a devoted Episcopalian and a very involved member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Westfield, New Jersey, and later in life, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lake Mary, Florida.

Most of all Betty adored her family and would do anything for them. She could always be counted on to lend support or just listen when needed. Rachel and Thomas fondly remember sleep overs at Grandma and Grandpa’s house where Grandma would let them make a fort in the family room to sleep in. Grandma was instrumental in encouraging tennis and golf lessons for them and they loved the Heathrow pool on many hot summer days. As grandparents, Betty and Win spent as much time as possible with Rachel and Thomas while living in Florida.

Betty had her own very strong opinions but knew how to temper them to keep peace throughout her life. Her strong faith and love of God helped her through the highs and lows that comes with a full life.

The family would also like to thank Betty’s caregiver, Cynthia Gibson, who took wonderful, and loving care of her during the final years. Cynthia was the family’s, “eyes and ears”, when we couldn’t be. God Bless you Cynthia, you know how much Betty loved you.

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, so special in many ways, you will be greatly missed. We Love You Huge, always!

Services for Betty will be held on September 24, 2015, 1:30 PM, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 700 Rinehart Road, Lake Mary, Florida 32746. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in memory of Elizabeth Wilder, be sent to St. Peters.