Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

11/18/2025

The decorations are going up, the shopping is being planned, arrangements are being made..... the Holidays are coming! So much to see and do in our beautiful city of Bethlehem. One of the most magical nights is Luminaria Night, a night when so much of our city is lit with beautiful luminaria bags. December 13th is the night that will celebrate 28 years of lining the sidewalks and streets with luminaria. Make a plan to take a walk through your neighborhood or our beautiful downtown and historic district and enjoy the displays.

11/15/2025

Helen June Reed Dippre, formerly of Scranton, passed away on Monday, November 3,2025, in Bethlehem, PA. She was the wife of the late H. Charles Dippre who passed away in 1989.

Born in Elmira, NY, Helen June was the daughter of the late Luther and Hazel Masterson Reed. Known as “Junie” to her family, she moved to Scranton as a young teen when her father was transferred by the DL&W Railroad. She graduated from Scranton Technical High School in 1951, met Charlie on a blind date in 1953, and they married in 1954. She worked in a number of clerical and bookkeeping roles at several local companies: Sprague & Henwood, an engineering & drilling company, Firestone Stores and the ILGWU; she retired in 1995.

Helen was an active member of St. Luke’s and Good Shepherd Episcopal Churches, and also a member of the Scranton City Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed traveling, fastidious housekeeping, and baking to share with others. She was best known for her coffee cake, pies, famous Welsh cookies, and making hundreds of Christmas cookies every December. Her granddaughters fondly remember spending time with her in Scranton – doing arts and crafts, swimming at Lackawanna State Park, and going to Manning’s for ice cream. Helen had several hang outs – La Cucina, Wegman’s, and Neen’s Diner, to name a few. Her family thanks all of the friends and neighbors who for many years looked after her while she still lived in her home.

Surviving are her daughter, Lisa Dippre Titus and husband Rich; granddaughters Victoria Reed Titus and husband Tej Pahwa; Madeleine June Titus Colnon and husband Reagan Colnon; daughter in law, Audra Chini; grandsons Andrew Dippre, MD and wife Sierra Amaya, MD, and Alex Dippre; great-grandson Reed Charles Pahwa. Also surviving are nieces Barbara Sarnowski, Linda Hartzell, Susan D’Amato. She was preceded in death by her son, Curt Reed Dippre in 2013 and her sister, Barbara Reed Frable in 2023.

Memorials may be made to the Country Meadows Employee Assistance Fund:
https://www.countrymeadows.com/about-us/co-worker-foundation

Private burial at the convenience of the family. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Helen June Reed Dippre, formerly of Scranton, passed away on Monday, November 3,2025, in Bethlehem, PA. She was the wife of the late H. Charles Dippre who passed away in 1989. Born in Elmira, NY, Helen June was the daughter of the late Luther and Hazel Masterson Reed. Known as

11/11/2025

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the Great War ends. At 5 a.m. that morning, Germany, without manpower and supplies and faced with imminent invasion, signed an armistice agreement with the Allies in a railroad car outside Compiégne, France. The First World War left nine million soldiers dead and 21 million wounded, with Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, France and Great Britain each losing nearly a million or more lives. In addition, at least five million civilians died.

Today we know it as Veteran's Day, a day to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. # Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

11/10/2025

Are you singing enough? Singing is one of the great joys of being human, whether you’re a professional crooner or can’t carry a tune. Since the beginning of time, humans have used song to soothe, grieve, celebrate, and connect. It’s one of our oldest forms of communication. Did uou know that singing regulates the nervous system through rhythmic breathing and vibration, which calm the body whether or not it ‘sounds good.’ And, emotionally, it expands our ability for play and self-expression — things some of us may have lost touch with.
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In addition to those boons, there are other mental and physical benefits of channeling your inner rock star, including potentially boosting cognitive function and the immune system. So belt it out!! Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

11/07/2025

Helen B. Illyes, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Saucon Valley Manor. She was the wife of the late Kalman Illyes.

Born in Lower Towamensing Township, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Julia (Viskupi) Frano. Helen was employed as the office manager at HAB Industries for 30 years before retiring.

She loved gardening, and was an avid reader. Helen also enjoyed knitting and needlework.

Surviving are a daughter, Barbara Cruz, and her husband Eduardo of Bethlehem Township; a son Roger Myers of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; a sister Judy Sommers of Northampton; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a daughter Julianne. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Helen B. Illyes, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 in Saucon Valley Manor. She was the wife of the late Kalman Illyes. Born in Lower Towamensing Township, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Julia Viskupi Frano. Helen was employed as the office manager at

11/04/2025

Nancy A. Sarmir, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away November 2, 2025.
Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Germaine (Benjamin) Demshock.

She was employed as a retail store display artist before retiring. A devoted animal lover, Nancy enjoyed horseback riding and had many dogs over the years.

She is survived by two daughters, Stephanie Vasquez of Bethlehem and Danielle Sarmir-Smaha of Maine; and a brother Tom Demshock of Bethlehem.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 13, in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Nancy A. Sarmir, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away November 2, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Germaine Benjamin Demshock. She was employed as a retail store display artist before retiring. A devoted animal lover, Nancy enjoyed horseback riding and had many dogs ove...

11/01/2025

Marilyn Bell, 97, of Bethlehem, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Bruce P. Bell, Sr. for 76 years.

Born in St. Joseph, Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Karl and Florence (Fricke) Miller.

Marilyn attended Lawrence College, the University of Michigan, and was employed in the Women’s Fashion Department of Marshall Fields, Chicago. After moving to Bethlehem and raising her family she worked as a teacher at the First Presbyterian Church Nursery School and the Bethlehem Area School District Educational Center.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.
Over the years Marilyn enjoyed spending time with many good friends in the neighborhood. She loved caring for her very active and busy family as she and her husband devoted their later years to supporting their grandchildren’s activities. Marilyn liked to bowl.

Surviving with her husband of 76 years, Bruce P. Bell, Sr., are daughters Kathryn Kahler (Donald) and Barbara Bell; sons Donald (Patty) and Andrew (Tracy); all of Bethlehem; and grandchildren Donald, Kara, Keith, Ryan, Rachel and Jeffrey. She was predeceased by her son Bruce, Jr. in 2018.
There will be no services. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Special Olympics. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Marilyn Bell, 97, of Bethlehem, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, in St. Lukes Hospital, Bethlehem. She was the wife of Bruce P. Bell, Sr. for 76 years. Born in St. Joseph, Michigan, she was a daughter of the late Karl and Florence Fricke Miller. Marilyn attended Lawrence College, the

10/31/2025

On her way to work. Busy night.

10/31/2025

Patricia Ann Gulick, 83, of Palmer Township, passed away October 22, 2025 in her home. Born in Somerville, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Howard S, Sr. and Helen T. (Monari) Gulick. Patricia was employed at Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, NJ, for many years before retiring. She was a faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

Surviving are sisters, Eleanor of Bath and Mary of Emmaus; brothers Thomas of Stroudsburg and Gregory of Bethlehem; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Howard Jr. in 2024.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Wednesday, November 5, in St. Anne's Church, Easton and Washington Avenues, Bethlehem, followed by burial in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements, Pearson Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Patricia Ann Gulick, 83, of Palmer Township, passed away October 22, 2025 in her home. Born in Somerville, NJ, she was a daughter of the late Howard S, Sr. and Helen T. Monari Gulick. Patricia was employed at Warren Hospital, Phillipsburg, NJ, for many years before retiring. She was a

10/29/2025

Charlene A. Truszkowski, 69, of Bethlehem, passed away on October 25, 2025 in the inpatient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown.

Born in Maryland, she was a daughter of the late John and Norma (Hefferan) McNamara.
Charlene was an office manager at Planned Parenthood. She enjoyed riding her motorcycle, horses, and raising and training dogs. She loved all of her grandchildren and devoted her life to caring for them.

Surviving is a daughter, Heather Vollman, sisters; Eileen Lash and Patrice Williams, brother Daniel McNamara, and grandchildren Joshua, Justin, Jacqueline, Jonathan, Xopher, Anthony, Xavier, and Jhevana.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 31, in Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden St., Bethlehem. The Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, is in charge of arrangements. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Charlene A. Truszkowski, 69, of Bethlehem, passed away on October 25, 2025 in the inpatient hospice unit of Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. Born in Maryland, she was a daughter of the late John and Norma Hefferan McNamara. Charlene was an office manager at Planned Parenthood. She enjoyed riding h...

10/28/2025

As we near the end of October, let's give a shout out to the pumpkins who sit on our porches, our steps, in our windows, and add so much to the Fall season. And an extra special shout out to those pumpkins who survived the local squirrels. Did you know that pumpkins are technically a fruit? The reason: it contains seeds! It's also closely related to cucumbers and melons. Who knew? Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

10/26/2025

Perfect day for a parade and Bethlehem really puts in a show!
If you’re looking for something to do today, this could be it! Starts at 2:00. Pearson Funeral Home, Inc.

Bethlehem Annual Halloween Parade will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2 p.m.The parade route is West Broad and Ninth Avenue to Main Street.(In the