Obituary of Edith M. Hitchner

Edith M. Hitchner, 76, of Stow Creek Township passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at Inspira Medical Center in Elmer where she had been a patient in the ICU Unit for two weeks. The wife of Rev. Neil T. Hitchner, Sr., she was born in Bridgeton and was the daughter of the late Clarence Hemple and Elizabeth Everingham Hemple. Edith was raised in Hopewell Township where she helped her dad on the family farm and was a Bridgeton area resident most of her life. She had been employed with the Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Bridgeton for 10 years and was later a bus driver for the Hopewell Township School for 4 years and for the Cumberland Regional Special Needs Program for 30 years where she also served as an aide until her retirement. She then worked at the Sparacio Farm Market for 10 years. During this time she worked alongside her husband Neil in their Ministry at the New Life Outreach Church on Landis Avenue. She was always helping others and sharing God’s Love. Edith’s hobbies included sewing, making dolls, cooking and baking. She enjoyed traveling with friends, trips to Lancaster, Disney World and Ocean City and being active in the Christian Bowling League. In addition to her husband, Neil, she is survived by her three children, Deborah A. Hitchner of Bridgeton, Neil T. Hitchner, Jr. of Mays Landing and Michael D. Hitchner (Kathleen) of Bridgeton; two grandchildren, Christopher Lacy of Bridgeton and Candice Cobb (Maurice) of Dividing Creek; six great-grandchildren, Christian, Caden and Madison Lacy of Vineland and Kaleb, Ja Kobe and Kaylee Cobb of Dividing Creek; a sister, Elizabeth (Betty) Messick and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Clarence J. (Butch) Hemple, Warren Hemple, Sr. and his wife, Margaret Hemple and a great grandson, Maurice Cob IV. Funeral services will be held at the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, 1107 State Highway 77, Upper Deerfield Township on Tuesday, February 23rd at 11 AM. A walk through visitation will be held from 9 to 11 AM prior to the services. The interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions in Edith’s memory be made to the New Life Outreach Church, P.O. Box 386, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Due to current regulations associated with the Covid-19 healthcare situation, we are limited to 60 people within the funeral home at a time and the understanding and cooperation of the public is greatly appreciated. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.