Marie “Betty” (Klein) Touchstone

The family of Marie “Betty” Touchstone of Salem, NJ is saddened to announce her passing on September 17th 2025.

Marie Klein was born in her family home at Fort Mott on November 3rd, 1931. She is survived by her brothers Robert Klein, Sr., Albert Klein, and her sister Helen Spina, her daughter Carol Touchstone, her granddaughters Natalie Helmbrecht and Heidi Becht, her grandson in law Bill Becht; great grandchildren, Shane Michael, Madeline Marie and Benjamin John. Marie is predeceased by her husband, Carl “Gene” Touchstone, her daughter Jean Marie Helmbrecht, her mother and father Fred and Isabelle Klein, her in laws Ivan Sr. and Mattie Pearl and her siblings Fred “Fritz” Jr., Anna, Catherine, Joseph “Tuck”, Myrtle, Blanche, Raymond, and Charles.  Betty met Gene when she was 14 years old after he moved to her street from Havre DeGrace, MD. The two teenagers were instantly very smitten. Betty graduated from Salem High in 1949 and married Gene on August 2nd that same year. They welcomed to the world their first daughter Jean Marie in January 1950 and their 2nd daughter Carol Lynn in August 1951. As a young mother, she began an 18 year career at Anchor Hocking Glass. The couple enjoyed an early retirement and spent their time on the boards and the beach of Ocean City, collecting clocks, visiting historical sites, going on cruises, snowbirding in Florida to spend time with Carol, and attending many local antique car shows. Betty along with her sisters carried on their mother’s tradition of sewing circle, a monthly gathering to take a night off from housework and connect with family.  Betty was an avid football fan and spent many an afternoon on Walnut Street cheering for the Salem Rams or at the Spina’s to watch the Philadelphia Eagles.

Both Gene and Betty held close to their heart their Salem roots as they remained proud citizens of the town for the rest of their lives. As a child, Betty was raised with eleven siblings under one roof in a house with no running water, no electricity and an icebox and as the 5th child she spent much of her adolescence helping her parents care for the younger children.  Betty’s humble beginnings instilled a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for all the love and wonderful blessings that come with life in a big family. Many knew her as “Aunt Betty” and often described her as a second mom as she gave love and compassion to all her extended family. She listened without judgement, provided guidance to many, and always expressed sincerely “Love You More”.

Betty’s ashes will be united and buried alongside the ashes of John and Jean Helmbrecht who will also be laid to final rest at that time. Graveside services will be at Lawnside Cemetery on Saturday, October 4th at 10:00 am. Celebration of life luncheon to immediately follow at Elsinboro VFW.  
 

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