Elizabeth M. Dwarica

Elizabeth M. Dwarica, a pioneering educator and devoted public servant, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, in Leonia, NJ, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 29, 1931, in Bryn Mawr, PA, She moved to New York City as a single woman to pursue a singing career.  There she met her late husband Col.  Nathan Dwarica  through a common interest in relgion.  Later they married and moved to Leonia to start a family.  Elizabeth’s life was marked by a steadfast commitment to education, community leadership, and family.

Elizabeth was a proud graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Education. She dedicated much of her professional life to teaching at the Montessori Bede School, which is part of the Elizabeth Morrow School, nurturing generations of young minds with care and dedication. Her passion for education extended beyond the classroom, demonstrated by her service as a Trustee of the Leonia Board of Education.

In the realm of public service, Elizabeth made history as the first female Mayor of Leonia, an accomplishment that underscores her trailblazing spirit and dedication to civic duty. She also served her community as a councilwoman for the borough of Leonia, further shaping the town's governance with grace and integrity.

Elizabeth’s personal journey was enriched by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Elisabeth Homann, and her husband Bernd; her son, Nathan Stephen Dwarica II, and his wife Victoria; and her daughters, Felicia Dwarica, and Melissa Fitch with her husband Chris. Elizabeth’s legacy lives on strongly through her many beloved grandchildren—Kaitlin, Charles, Aleksander, Patrick, Nicolas, Christian, Tomas, Emilio, Shea, Jordan, Vaughn, Ryan, and Aidan—and her cherished great-grandchildren, Janelle, Myles, Nathan III, Emma, and Theo. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Rack, who shared in many of life’s moments and her beloved friend Angela Gorga.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her brothers, Charles and William Hodges, whose memory she honored throughout her life.

The community will gather to pay their respects to Elizabeth on May 9, 2026. Visitation will take place at the Frank Patti & Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home, located at 327 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The prayer service will be held there at 5:00 PM. In Lieu of Flowers donations may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Santa Barbara County, CA.www.DSASBC.org

Elizabeth M. Dwarica’s life was a testament to dedication, leadership, and love. She leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community.