Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

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Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

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Downing Funeral Home, Inc. has been serving the Lehigh Valley since 1889. We provide funeral services including burials, cremations and more.

10/20/2026

Elsie G. Veszpremi, 86, of Allentown, formerly of Bethlehem, passed away October 17, 2026. She was the wife of the late John Veszpremi. Born in East Stroudsburg, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Audrey (Kresge) Heller. Elsie retired as a seamstress for many years. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fountain Hill. Elsie enjoyed needleworking, playing with cards and traveling (especially visiting her sister in Colorado and sister & brother in Florida). She treasured her time spent with her family and will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Lori Hines and husband Derrick; stepchildren-Tina and John, sisters- RoseMary Heller-Capps, Marian Grube; brother- Paul Heller, granddaughters- Jahnell and Leah, grandson- Richie, bonus grandchildren- Khylin, Dylan, Sarah and Sydni; great grandchildren- Alexander, Cassidy, Jason Jr. and Brooklyn, caregiver- Lisa Reade. She was predeceased by her son- Roger Frankenfield and brothers- Delbert and John Heller.
A viewing will be held on Monday, November 2nd 10-11AM with a Service to follow at 11AM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple for Alzheimer’s Awareness to the funeral in Elsie’s memory.
Donation can be made in Elsie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

10/15/2026

Anna A. “Nancy” McCabe, 96, of Center Valley, PA died peacefully in her home, on October 9, 2026, after a brief illness. She was married to the late Francis N. McCabe for 53 wonderful years.

Nancy was associated with her family business, Devon Industries, Inc. until her retirement after 26 years. She was a former treasurer of the Parents Club of Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales (now DeSales University), and a long-time volunteer for Catholic Charities. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Limeport, PA and an active participant in their Prime Time Club. She and her husband were avid travelers having visited 54 countries around the world.

Born in Philadelphia, Nancy was the daughter of the late Daniel J. and Anna V. (Bradley) Coyle. She was predeceased by her only sister Marie Cummings MacMath. Surviving are 4 sons: Daniel F. of Trappe, PA, Michael P. and his wife Donna K. of Lower Pottsgrove, PA, Thomas J. of Washington, DC, and Christopher P. of Charlestown, RI. Also surviving are 4 grandsons: Daniel F., Jr., Stephen A., Christopher M., and Matthew N., as well as 2 great-grandsons: Aaron K. and Chace M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 20th at 10AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 5203 Saint Joseph’s Rd Coopersburg, PA. Private inurnment next to her late husband at Nisky Hill Cemetery in Bethlehem, PA (arrangements by Downing Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA).

10/07/2026

Obituary of Anna Mae Bedics
Anna Mae Bedics, 100, peacefully passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026. She resided at The Birches of Lehigh Valley and was one of the founding residents at the facility.
Anna Mae was the loving wife of Frank M. Bedics Sr. and they were happily married for 48 years, prior to his passing in 1994. Born in Allentown on November 15, 1925, she was a daughter of the late Edward M. and Mary Ida (Schaffer) Johnson.
Anna Mae was known for her sense of humor and nurturing spirit. She prided herself on her Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes passed on from her mother. Anna Mae enjoyed traveling to visit family throughout the United States and Europe. She was recently honored by Northampton County Area Agency on Aging at the Centenarian Luncheon celebrating her achievement of 100 years. Above all else, Anna Mae cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her family.
At The Birches, Anna Mae enjoyed Bingo, Happy Hours, musical programs and monthly field trips to Wind Creek Casino. The family would like to thank the staff at The Birches and Serenity Hospice Care for their exceptional and compassionate care provided to Anna Mae. Her loving smile could brighten any room, and she was always there when you needed her. Anna Mae's warmth, devotion, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be remembered always, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.
Surviving are her children: Mary Ann Bedics and Frank M. Bedics Jr. and his wife Donna.
Grandchildren: Christopher Bedics and his wife Jaclyn and Allison Blackmon and her husband Matthew. Great-grandchildren: Brooke Bedics, CJ Bedics and Nolan Blackmon.
Graveside services will be celebrated 11:30AM on Friday, October 9, 2026 at the Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Downing Funeral Home in Bethlehem.

09/29/2026

Andrew J. Sarko, 99 years old and a longtime resident of Bethlehem, PA passed away September 27, 2026. Born in Lebanon, he was the son of the late Michael and Elizabeth (Postenyi) Sarko. Andrew was a veteran of the U.S. Navy in WWII. He retired from the Northampton County Courthouse. He was an avid Phillies fan. Andrew was passionate about his garden and enjoyed sharing his produce with friends. He also enjoyed meeting the guys for coffee and really liked riding the bus to the casino. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Mary (Fischer) Sarko of 57 years. He is survived by his loving children Mary Lou Straka (Steve), William Sarko (Louise), Edward Sarko (Nancy) and Nancy Newhard (Rich); grandchildren Matthew Newhard (Ally) and Melissa Newhard (Rob). Andrew was also predeceased by his granddaughter Amy Straka and all 8 of his elder siblings.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 1st 11:30AM-1:00PM with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Andrew’s memory to Sights for Hope 845 W. Wyoming St. Allentown, PA 18103.

09/17/2026

Catherine R. Nonnemacher, 83, of Bethlehem Township, formerly of Lower Nazareth, passed away on September 16, 2026. She was the wife of the late David W. Nonnemacher. Born in Nazareth, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret (Pieschl) Szoke.
Cathy worked in various sewing mills throughout her life. As a talented seamstress who began making her own clothes as a teenager, she lovingly made most of her daughters' clothing for many years. She later became a gifted fabric artist, creating beautiful textiles and quilts, including a special piece entered into the Kutztown Fair Quilt Show. Cathy and her husband shared a deep love for camping, traveling across the United States, and spending time with their many beloved dogs.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy Konnick and her husband Troy of Jensen Beach, FL; Caroline Knowles of Bethlehem Township; and Roseann Hannis and her husband Joe of Bethlehem. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew Amey (Krista), Trista Knowles, Natasha Henn (Steve), David Hannis (Allie), and Mark Wass; five great-grandchildren; her sisters, Margie Koch (Dick) of Florida and Helen Nonnemacher (Sonny) of Florida; her brother, Stephen Szoke (Linda) of Pennsylvania; and her son-in-law, Tom Amey.
She was predeceased by her son, David "Butch" Nonnemacher; her brother, Joseph Pieschl; her sister, Nancy Kobordo; and her son-in-law, Steven Knowles.
Services: Graveside services will be private with burial at Holy Savior Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Lukes Hospice 801 Ostrum St. Bethlehem, PA 18015.

09/16/2026

Miriam J. (Deibert) Ellwanger, 83, of Wyomissing Hills, passed away September 14, 2026. Born August 11,1943, at Reading Hospital, to Elizabeth (Andrew) and George L. M. Deibert, she grew up in Elverson, PA. Miriam graduated from Twin Valley High School class of 1961 and then Pottstown Hospital School of Nursing class of 1964. She married her loving husband Thomas S. Ellwanger in 1964. Miriam was employed at St. Luke’s Hospital full time until her oldest daughter was born. Then she worked part-time at various nursing facilities, while raising her 3 daughters, for the next 20 years. Then she was able to return to full-time work with the Visiting Nurses Association of Bethlehem. She and her good friend, the late Marianne Williams, were the first two hospice nurses for the VNA. She always said Hospice Nursing was the most rewarding in her long career of 41 years. Miriam raised her family in Fountain Hill with her husband Tom where she was a member of the choir at St. Ursula’s Catholic Church. She volunteered for her daughters with their Brownies and Scout Troops, helped at St. Ursula’s school, and the Bethlehem Catholic High School Marching Band Parents Association. When she and Tom moved to Wyomissing Hills, she performed more part-time work as an RN. Helping to care for her grandchildren kept her busy, but she also volunteered with Berks Co. Breast Cancer Support Services making hundreds of pink pillows for comfort bags for recently diagnosed women. She was named “Person of the Week” in the Reading Eagle Newspaper in 2012. Miriam was past member of St. Ignatius Bereavement Ministry, Adoration team and the Legion of Mary as an axillary member. But her favorite place to volunteer was at John Paul II Center for Special Learning, helping in the classrooms and library. She grew to love the children and staff, even remembering them with homemade masks during the covid pandemic. Miriam and Tom enjoyed vacations at the Jersey Shore with the girls when they were younger and later in retirement bus trips to Michigan, Massachusetts and Maine. A train trip to Florida to visit Miriam’s Aunt Barbara was especially memorable, as was celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary with a trip to New Orleans and a riverboat cruise up the Mississippi to Baton Rouge with friends Joan and Ron Smith. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- Thomas Ellwanger; daughters- Suzanne and husband Ronald Adam, Dianne Ferretti, Julie Anne and husband Sean Hanley; grandchildren- Jordan, Samantha, Kathryn, Ryan, Bridget and Kieran; brother- Phillip Deibert; sisters- Beth Lewis and Phyllis Crockett. She was predeceased by her former son-in-law- Mark Ferretti.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 23rd 9:30-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30AM all in St. Ignatius Catholic Church 2810 St. Albans Drive Reading, PA 19608. Interment to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
Contributions can be made in Miriam’s memory to John Paul II Center for Special Learning 1092 Welsh Rd Shillington, PA 19607 or at https://johnpauliicenter.org

07/30/2026

Susan Marie Phillips, 64, of Bethlehem passed away July 21, 2026. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary R. (Dugan) Phillips. Sensitive and generous, Susan was willing to help anyone in need. For her family she was a true caregiver, whether that meant offering her physical presence or an ear to listen. Her thoughtful conversation and sharp sense of humor will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her children Lindsay Cawley and husband Jason, Daniel Boyd, Amanda Boyd, Michael Boyd; grandchildren Evelyn, Sam, Corvair and David; sisters Karen Taylor and Joan Phillips; brothers Mark and Brian Phillips; and her aunt, Sister Joan Dugan. She was predeceased by her brother Jeffrey Phillips.

Services will be private for the family.

07/13/2026

Albert Philip Bauerlein, 86, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 13, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Frances Bauerlein for 57 years. Born in Staten Island, NY, he was the son of the late John and Agnes Bauerlein. Al served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Iceland as a radar operator. He worked for 37 years at Xerox as a service technician and was a devoted member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.
Al was a lifelong lover of all things technology, a gifted landscaper who transformed his backyards into beautiful park like spaces, and the ultimate do it yourself handyman. He was always quick to help family and friends with a project and was a professional advice giver. He adored his grandchildren and especially loved watching them enjoy a delicious treat. He could often be found in his recliner with his laptop, listening contentedly as his family gathered in the next room. He will be deeply missed.
He was predeceased by his brother, John Bauerlein. Survivors include: children – Lynn Orrico and husband Russ, Jeff Bauerlein and wife Kristy, Jill Boland and husband Justin; grandchildren – Jacob, Emily, Hannah, and Sarah; sisters – Frances and Agnes.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 21st 10-11AM with a Service at 11AM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

06/26/2026

Richard J. Huber, Sr., 97, of Bethlehem, passed away June 24, 2026. He was the loving husband of the late Elsie H. (Hathazi) Huber. Born in Cementon, he was the son of the late Joseph J. and Anna (Emerich) Huber. Richard graduated from Central Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked for Mack Trucks, retiring after 26 years. Richard was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, and a member of the funeral choir. He was also a member of the Catholic War Veterans, the Pine Flats Assoc., the Mack Truck Local #617, shop stewart, and the Mack Ski Club. Richard was proud that he had attended the Men of Malvern Retreat for 50 years. He was also dedicated to being a Democratic Committee Man, attending the gym at least 3 days a week and skiing until he was 83 years old. Richard enjoyed hunting at his cabin, fishing, biking and participating/ teaching ballroom dancing. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors: children- JoAnn Zwickl wife of Kenneth, Elizabeth Snyder wife of Douglas and Marci Huber; grandchildren- Jason, Joseph & Kevin Zwickl, Nicole Huber, Anna Jennings, Elizabeth Huber, Alicia Hegemann and Brian Huber; great grandchildren- Noah & Nessa Zwickl, Esmae Huber, Kasper Zwickl and Kara Huber; sister- Maryanne Pohl. Richard was predeceased by his sons- Matthew, Jonathan & Richard Huber Jr., stepson- Thomas Roc, siblings- Ernest Huber, Dorothy Strohm, Sister M. Josanne, MSC., Joseph Huber.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 2nd 10-11AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Assumption of the BVM Cemetery, Northampton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

06/26/2026

Nancy (Gubish) Petruny, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away June 24, 2026. She was the loving wife of the late Francis “Pat” M. Petruny. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Altha (Kunsman) Gubish. Nancy graduated from Bethlehem High School and retired from Western Electric/Lucent Tech. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and the Red Hat Society. Nancy enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, reading and dancing with her husband at the Brookside Country Club. She also enjoyed going to the beach in Ocean City, NJ and traveling to Florida every winter. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: son- Michael Petruny and his wife Rene, granddaughters- Kendra and Morgan Petruny, brother- William Kunsman, nieces and nephew- Steven, Melissa, Michelle, Glenn, Tina and Denise, companion- Lou Palentes. She was predeceased by her son- Christopher and her brothers- George, Alex and Ronald.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 30th 10-10:30AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqa Rd Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial will be Private in Holy Saviour Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Nancy’s memory to the 4 Diamonds Fund (memorializing Christopher) or to AHC Home Health and Hospice care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Address

1002 W. Broad Street
Bethlehem, PA
18018

Website

http://www.DowningFuneralHome.com/

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