Obituaries

Evangeline “Vangie” Sweitzer, 87 formerly of Palmer Twp., PA passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem. Born July 11, 1932 in Newark, NJ she was the fourth daughter of the late Rev. Ralph Russell Roby and Mary Spencer Roby. Vangie’s varied careers included 25 years in radio, first with the faculty of her alma mater, Centenary College, then with various Lehigh Valley radio stations including WEST, WEEX and WKAP. She was a substitute teacher (K-8) in the Pohatcong and Phillipsburg School Districts for eight years. She retired in 1994 as Associate Director of the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce, where she enjoyed seven fulfilling years. She retired a final time after two years as Historic Bethlehem Partnerships’ first public relations coordinator.

As a volunteer, she gave a lifetime of service to her churches, Wesley United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, and since 1991, Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem. An active member of Minsi Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America for 24 years, Vangie earned the Silver Beaver award, a Scout Council’s highest honor, and was one of the first group of females inducted into the Order of the Arrow. She was in the second class of Cub Scout Trainers’ Wood Badge offered in the NE United States and served on staff several times. Vangie wrote and organized weekend training courses at Camp Minsi for leaders from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

A writer for most of her life, she was author of three books on Bethlehem Moravian church history. The first, Christmas in Bethlehem – A Moravian Heritage, has been a consistent best seller. She was an avid gardener, caring for their three acres with her husband. Over past years, Vangie served on the Board of Directors of Minsi Trails Council, BSA; Executive Service Corps of the Lehigh Valley; Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society; Historic Bethlehem; and the Board of Elders, Central Moravian Church. She was the first female chairman of the Board of Trustees, Wesley Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years: Donald Laros Sweitzer; son: Mark A. Sweitzer and wife Elizabeth of Spring City, PA; two grandchildren: Maxwell Laros Sweitzer and Kathryn Grace Sweitzer; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters: Mary Trotter, Elizabeth Brown and Ellen “Bobbie” Diehl.

Services are 10 AM Monday (Feb. 10) in Central Moravian Church, 7 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA; with visitation from 5 PM to 6:30 PM Sunday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Interment: Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Moravian Church, 7 W. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.