Elsie S. (Spishak) Bechtel, age 72, of Springfield Township PA, formerly of Bethlehem PA, died Friday, February 2, 2007 at her residence. She is the wife of the late Murrell H. Bechtel, who died October 26, 2003.
Born in Bethlehem PA, November 18, 1934, she is the daughter of the late Paul and Julia (Kovach) Spishak. Elsie worked in the Medical Department of the former Bethlehem Steel and the former Rauscher's Hardware Store, Hellertown PA. She was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, Pleasant Valley PA where she was the Financial Secretary; Sang with the Beethoven Choruses for 40 years; and Past President of the Minsi Trail Flower Club.
She is survived by her Sons, Jeffrey M. Bechtel and his wife Patricia and Jason J. Bechtel and his wife Elizabeth, all of Coopersburg PA; Sister, Irene Doncsez of Bethlehem Township PA; and 2 Grandchildren, Sarah and Alex.
Family and Friends are invited to call 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Trinity UCC, 1990 Route 212 (Pleasant Valley) Quakertown PA, followed by the service at 10:30 a.m. The interment will conclude services at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Hellertown PA is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the ALS Association Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills CA 91301.
|
Jeff, and Jason & Families. Sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you's all. GOD bless all of you.
Jeffery Kramer Sr and Family
Wednesday, February 07, 2007 9:54 AM EST
Elsie will always remain in my heart. She welcomed me with open arms. I have very special memories of her and the time we spent together. She will be remembered by many. My heart goes out to both Jeff and Jason and their families. You are in Glory now Elsie and reunited with your beloved Murrell.
Barb Bowes
Sunday, February 04, 2007 6:53 PM EST
I have so many wonderful memories of Elsie. Memories very dear to me.
I can see her dining room table beautifully set for a giant dinner party - festive, glittering, colorful. The aroma of the promised dinner making everyone's mouth water with anticipation. We made our best efforts to provide interesting conversation before dinner but all minds were on the feast and its delights. We were often the lucky recipients of Elsie's incredible cooking talents. I've known many wonderful cooks - Elsie will always be in my top list of cooks to emulate.
I also remember her tireless passion to serve her church. In her prime, Elsie had her hand in just about everything from flowers, bookkeeping, kiffle sales, singing duets with her grand daughter, to preaching the sermons when the pastor was away.
While not a member of her church, I loved hearing her talk about the Kiffle sale production - all the wonderful camaraderie of women who donated their time and talents to selling those tasty treats. Lucky me - Elsie shared her recipe for kiffles during one of her visits.
Elsie's eyes shown with pride when she'd mention that she and Sarah were practicing a duet for Sunday's service. How she loved her grandkids, Sarah and Alex! They were the light of life - especially as the end grew near. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do to help her grandkids. After Elsie was diagnosed with ALS, she made arrangements to take Sarah to Orlando to visit DisneyWorld. Elsie was too weak to join in the day at Disney but she was all ears to hear all about her adventures when Sarah returned - exhausted and smiling with pictures of princesses and characters she'd met.
Sarah and Alex took such good care of Elsie - opening window blinds, playing games with her to pass the time, helping cut her food. Such great grandkids with a shared love for each other. Elsie was always involved in their lives from the day they were born - the kids knew this was their chance to give back and they did with love.
Elsie was a great friend. She always had time to listen to you - even when her problems were piling high. If she could lend a hand - or find a hand to lend - she was there for you.
Elsie had a treasured friendship with Murrell (her hubby) with John and Mye Trumbore (my in-laws). The fun they had singing around PA with the Beethoven-Waldheim Club of Hellertown, PA was a highlight in all their lives. We loved hearing their stories of pranks and performances - and loved seeing the tears from laughter when the stories were repeated. I'm sure John and Murrell welcomed Elsie with hugs and kisses upon her arrival upstairs.
We will all miss Elsie so very much. I'm so glad our paths crossed - my life is better having known and loved her.
Chere Force, Rory Trumbore and Callie Rae Force
Saturday, February 03, 2007 10:48 AM EST
|
|
