LaVALLEE--Elizabeth DeWahl. Known as Beth, died on December 9, 2009 in Belleville, NJ. In a few days she would have been 53. She was known for her sense of humor and quick wit. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, she taught elementary school for twenty years in Paterson, NJ, where she was a special education teacher and enjoyed working with children with disabilities. During that time she resided in Ho-Ho-Kus, Parsippany and Hawthorne, NJ. She retired in 2002 because of disabling injuries she suffered in an automobile accident. She has lived in South Orange, NJ for the last six years. Born in New York City, she grew up in Briarcliff Manor, NY and Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. After Beth's automobile accident she was fortunate to discover JESPY, an organization based in South Orange that specializes in providing a community of care and friendship for adults with disabilities. The staff and clients of JESPY, as well as the residents of South Orange, provided a welcoming environment that sustained and enriched her life. She is survived by her father, David A. DeWahl of Vero Beach, FL, an older brother David, Jr. of Greenwich, CT, a younger brother Duncan C. of Maitland, FL, three nephews and two nieces. Her marriage in 1984 ended in divorce. In the last few years she has been cared for by Shan Atkinson. Her death, attributed to sepsis, occurred after a series of operations for a chronic foot ailment. A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held at 11am on January 9, 2010 at House of Prayer Episcopal Church, 407 Broad Street, Newark, NJ. The family requests that no flowers be sent.