Renate Stopford, 83, of Edison, passed away on April 16, 2021 at JFK Medical Center, Edison. She was born in Berlin, Germany and raised in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, graduating from Speyer University Nursing School with a specialty in pediatrics. Arriving in the United States on one of the first transatlantic Boeing 707s, and working as a nurse, she met her handsome husband Ronald after he finished his US Navy career, starting at TWA. After another visit to Europe, she returned to the US on the Leonardo DaVinci ocean liner, married and started a family, settling in Edison. A lifelong philanthropist, she joined the Edison First Aid and Rescue Squad #1, became its first female Captain, was a life member and the current Chaplain of RVREMS . She was a past Woman of the Year in Edison, designated by the Mayor, and very active and well-known in the Township for her leadership and dedication to the health and welfare of its citizens, with a special focus on children and the elderly. Her efforts inspired her friends and family, who actively joined her in volunteering for the First Aid Squad and in healthcare. In her free time, Renate was an avid traveler, having seen much of the world. She enjoyed dancing with Ron at the Deutscher Club of Clark, of which they are long-time members, and together socializing with the TWA Retirees Club. She also enjoyed gardening, was an amazing cook, and prolific knitter, especially of whimsical children's outfits, treasured by all who received them. She was a force of nature, dedicated to lifelong learning, volunteering, raising the health and safety standards of our community, and inspiring and nurturing her friends and family. She will be greatly missed for her advice, personality and service. Renate is predeceased by her parents, Hubert Muller and Betty Kaiser Muller, and her brother Uwe Muller; her parents-in-law Leonard and Alice Stopford, siblings-in-law Susan, James, Leonard Jr., Robert, and Larry. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Ronald Stopford; son, Patrick Stopford and his wife Lucy of Irvine, CA; daughter, Bettina Stopford (Ostrowski) of VA; her brother and sister-in-law Heino and Waltraudt Muller of Leipzig, Germany; siblings-in-law, Edward and Jill Stopford, Mike and Barb Green, and her grandchildren, Orianna, Maxine, Veronica, Nate and Carly; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and the beloved children that she provided care for. Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial gathering on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 10:30-12:30 PM at Boylan Funeral Home, 10 Wooding Avenue, Edison. A memorial service will begin at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Renate’s memory can be made to the Volunteer First Aid Squad, RVREMS, 1079 Amboy Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837.