Helen “Bitsy” Jeffers, 85, of Moravian Village, Bethlehem, PA formerly of Palmer Township, PA died peacefully at home on July 30, 2021. Born January 4, 1936 in Cold Spring, NY to Oscar S. Bray and Helen (Shanley) Bray, Bitsy grew up in Lynnfield, MA and graduated from Wakefield (MA) High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters of Education from Harvard University. She met her husband, Bill, during their freshman year in college, and they were married the year after they graduated. Together, they raised three children and delighted in the accomplishments of all their children and grandchildren.
Bitsy began her career as an elementary school teacher in Massachusetts, and later taught for 22 years at Easton Middle School and Easton Area High School before retiring in 1998. She was a voracious reader, was actively engaged in political discourse, and greatly enjoyed gardening, nature and the outdoors. Bitsy participated in many activities at Lafayette College, where Bill was a faculty member, was an active member of the League of Women Voters and AAUW, served on the Board of Directors of the Easton Public Library, and volunteered at St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill until 2020.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. William A. “Bill” Jeffers Jr. who died in 2008. She is survived by her children Peggy Duggan (David) of Arboles, CO, John Jeffers (Mary Edrich) of Houston, TX, and Will Jeffers (Nora Manley) of Mattapan, MA; her sister, Mary Elizabeth “Tish” Womack of Nashville, TN, sister-in-law Carol Hollenberg of Santa Rosa, CA, and brother-in-law Khaled Mrad of Tunisia; five grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and many friends.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 9 at 10:30 AM in the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, PA with a calling period from 10:00 to 10:30 AM. Masks are required in the church. The service will be livestreamed at https://livestream.com/nativitycathedral/events/9875779.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Nancy Ball
August 9, 2021 at 11:14 am
I am so sorry to learn of Bitsy’s death. I have fond memories of her and Bill from our shared years at Lafayette.
Nancy
Nancy Ball
vivian noblett
August 10, 2021 at 9:58 am
Bitsy was a delightful human being. She shared her talents and intelligence with many persons and organizations as well as the Lafayette community for many years along with Bill.
She was always a positive person and a member of the
Adrienne Luncheon group for retired personnel of the college.
May her family be comforted by wonderful memories of happily shared times.
Blessings, Vivian Noblett
With my deepest sympathy Debbie English Purdy
October 4, 2021 at 6:15 pm
Dear Peggy, John, Will and families,
My condolences to all of you on the loss of your Mom.
She was a wonderful neighbor to my parents.
Always checking on them and especially when my dad passed she would take a walk and always look in on my Mom because of her dementia. I was shocked to read her obituary today but will be forever grateful to her.
May she Rest In Peace.
Barbara Burger
October 6, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Mighty in heart, tiny in stature, that’s how I remember Bitsy ~ a wonderful St. Luke’s volunteer. She and Bill would often chat before or after their shifts. Their presence made a huge difference in the lives of so many patients and staff, mine included. Bitsy always had a sparkle in her eyes and the energy to carry out most any task required. Be comforted in knowing that your Mom cherished the time spent with you all over the years.
Remembering a life well lived and a wonderful person,
Barbara Burger, retired St. Luke’s Director of Volunteer Services