Obituary of Bette M. Kindman-Koffler

Bette M. Kindman-Koffler, 73, of Monmouth Junction passed away on April 17 after testing positive for COVID-19 and a long fight with Alzheimer’s Disease at Bear Creek Assisted Living Facility where she lived for about 4 years.

She was born on November 21, 1946, in Brooklyn NY, the daughter of the late Jack and Regina Kindman.

Bette earned her Bachelor’s degree (English Literature) at SUNY New Paltz and her Master’s degree (Reading Education) and Doctor of Education degree (Elementary Education/Curriculum) at Rutgers University.

Bette had a long and distinguished career in education and marketing, working for several schools and companies. When her daughter, Jordana, was in preschool, Bette started Koffler Communications, her own home-based marketing and writing business so that Jordana would not be alone. Over the years Bette grew the business substantially and, among other things, won an award for a marketing project she did for Rutgers University.

Bette was very active professionally. She was a member of the Professional Writers Alliance of Mercer County, the Editorial Advisory Board for the Reading Instruction Journal, and Co-Chair of the Reading and Computers Committee for the New Jersey Reading Association. She wrote extensively and had articles in several scholarly journals.  An article she published for the Reading Instruction Journal was selected for inclusion in the William S. Gray Research Collection in Reading.  She also made numerous presentations to professional groups about computer literacy, computers for instruction, and creativity, among other things. 

Bette was very involved in community volunteer activities. She was very active in her Synagogue, was on its Board of Directors, a member of the Religious School Committee, Publicity Chair, and had a variety of other positions. She was a Community Writing Coach for the South Brunswick High School, was on the High School Site Council, a committee member for the Governor’s Teacher Recognition Program, a member of the Princeton YWCA Child Care Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee and Newsletter Editor for the Monmouth Junction PTA. 

Most importantly, Bette was a caring, loving person. She cared about her friends and would do anything for them. She cared about her professional life and worked hard to be the best she could be. She cared about family and was always there for them, putting their needs ahead of hers. She cared about herself, kept healthy, exercised a lot, and was an accomplished skier in her younger days.

She cared about her husband Steve. They were, like so many couples, best friends who enjoyed doing things together and didn’t need anyone else as long as they had each other. 

But, most of all, what really characterized Bette was how much she cared about and loved Jordana. From the moment Jordana was born, everything else became secondary to Bette and, over the years, Bette’s greatest joy was watching Jordana grow into a caring, loving, and successful individual – just like Bette.

She is survived by her spouse of almost 44 years, Stephen Koffler and their daughter, Jordana Koffler. She also is survived by her sister, Mary Kindman and her husband, John Baymore; her brother, Allen Kindman and his wife, June Almenoff; her sister-in-law, Susan Koffler; her four nieces and nephews; her two great-nieces and nephews; both Bette’s and Steve’s extended families; and many friends.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no funeral. Interment will be in the Roosevelt Cemetery. At some point in the future, a memorial service will be held to celebrate Bette’s life.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Bette’s memory can do so to Alzheimer’s NJ, 425 Eagle Rock Avenue, #203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or to a charity of their choice.

Please visit Bette’s permanent memorial site at www.simplicityfuneralservices.com. We encourage all to share memories, words of comfort or leave a message of condolence for the family. Perhaps share a favorite story or special way Bette touched your heart. Each one will help provide comfort and hope to all who read the remembrances.

You are welcome to plant a tree, light a candle, or post a photograph of Bette via the website.

Arrangements are under the direction of Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ.