Bette Joyce Chosak

Bette Joyce Chosak, 79, of Bethlehem Twp., formerly of Whiting, New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem Twp. She was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 14, 1947, to the late Jack and Ida (Trotsky) Kiven.

Bette earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from SUNY Oneonta, followed by a Master's Degree in Education from Brooklyn College. She worked as a public school teacher in New York City for over twenty years, primarily as a home instructor.

Bette was a devoted mother who leaves behind her three children: Jen Prior and her partner Jeff Greenwald of Arlington, MA, Andrew J. and his wife Mary Beth Chosak of Bethlehem Twp, and Jamie Chosak of Brooklyn, NY; as well as her grandchildren: Abby, J.D., Cara, Molly, Leo and Danny. She was predeceased by her older brother Robert Kiven.

Bette's parents instilled in her an awareness of politics and strong sense of social justice, and she followed those ideals throughout her life. She became politically active at a young age and continued to volunteer for the issues she believed in for the rest of her life. Bette was a lifelong reader, always staying informed and engaged with the world around her. She was a longtime subscriber of the New Yorker and the New York Times long after she moved out of Brooklyn, and kept up her daily crossword puzzle well into her final years.

Bette was also a world traveler. As a young woman, she took road trips across the United States and traveled to Amsterdam, Greece, Italy, Israel, and many other countries. Post-retirement, she visited destinations as diverse as Tanzania, Cuba, and Palestine, always interested in learning about different people and supporting the causes in which she believed.

Bette spent her later years at Country Meadows, Bethlehem, where she was a familiar sight taking walks around the hallways. She had a gentle way of being appreciative and respectful, and always had a smile or kind word for everyone.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in her name to an organization working for peace and dignity for those in need around the world, something she cared about deeply.