Obituaries

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Alicia Matos, a true angel on earth. She embodied love, devotion, and grace in every aspect of her life. Alicia Matos, 73, of Easton, PA, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024, at home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 22, 1951, in Puerto Rico, she brought warmth and light into the lives of all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Roberto Matos; 3 daughters: Daralice Matos with whom she resided, Windalice Matos of Wilson Borough, PA, Dalicia Matos in Florida; a brother: Ismael Martinez in Puerto Rico; a sister: Hilda Lopez in Florida; 6 granddaughters: Alicia Brucato, Lacie Smith-Matos, Victoria Radomski, Alexandria Radomski, Kalie Donelan, Ava Szatmary; 2 great-granddaughters: Giavanna and Elianna Brucato; a niece Hilda Doodnauth and two nephews Heriberto Montalvo and Ivan Sanchez . She was preceded in death by her parents Jose Antonio and Daria Martinez and brother, Manuel Martinez. Alicia was the epitome of selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. Whether as a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or aunt, she showered her family with unwavering affection and tenderness.

Her gentle spirit and patient demeanor touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. With elegance and wisdom, she navigated life’s challenges, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Her wit and articulate nature brought joy to those around her, and her generosity knew no bounds. She gave freely of her time, her resources, and her heart, enriching the lives of countless souls. A faithful servant of God, she lived her life guided by her faith, finding solace and strength in her spiritual beliefs. Her studious nature and attention to detail reflected her commitment to excellence in all endeavors.

Through years of illness, she demonstrated unparalleled resilience and courage, fighting with determination to remain with her beloved family. In the end, she found peace at home, surrounded by the love that she so freely gave throughout her life. Though she may have left this earthly realm, her spirit will forever shine bright in our hearts. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering devotion that will continue to inspire us all. May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

Visitation is Thursday (March 28) from 6 to 7:30 PM and Friday (March 29) from 10 to 11 AM with a service at 11 AM Friday, in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton PA. Burial will follow at Forks Cemetery, Easton PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Cassandra Kay Browne, 86 of Palmer Twp., PA, died Friday, March 22, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Born March 13, 1938 in Trousdale, OK, she was a daughter of the late A. J. and Stella (Cook) Meinert. Kay moved to Arkansas with her family in 1953, graduating from Fayetteville High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Arkansas, where she played the clarinet in the marching band and the orchestra, a testament to her life-long love of music.

Kay was a beloved mother, wife, grandma, sister and friend to many. She was an excellent seamstress and for years made many of her own clothes, as well as clothing and creative costumes for her children when they were young. An avid gardener, Kay had an amazing green thumb, and was always surrounded with a houseful of beautiful plants. She also loved card games and was a dedicated member of several local bridge clubs.

Kay served as a manager of a retail department store in California before having her children. Upon moving to Easton in 1980, she was employed by Fishbone and Scheer law firm, and then as a real estate agent at Paul Ford Realty, before retiring.

For more than a decade, Kay volunteered for the League of Women Voters, coordinating their Voters’ Guide. She also provided free tax preparation through the AARP for many years.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lloyd E. Browne; a daughter: Samantha Davis of Phoenixville, PA; a son: Steven Browne of Thurmont, MD; a brother: Phillip Meinert of Springdale, Arkansas; 3 grandchildren and a nephew.

A Memorial Service will be held April 6, 2024 at 11 AM in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton with a calling period from 10 to 11 AM. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Henry E. Altner, 82, of Wilson Borough, died Friday, March 15, 2024 in St. Luke’s Hospice House. Born August 9, 1941 in the Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Henry and Johanna (Badke) Altner. His wife, Linda (Paff) Altner died in 2022. Henry served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was a millwright for Riegel Paper Mill. He retired in 2003.

Surviving are a daughter, Vicki Dittmar and her husband, Harry; a grandson, Harry, II; and a long time family friend, Eric Keller. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of St. Luke’s Hospice House.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Jerry Thomas Strohl, 78 of Palmer Twp., PA died Friday, March 8, 2023 at Arden Court, Easton, PA. Born February 5, 1946 in Easton, he was the son of the late Jeannette McAvoy. He was a 1964 graduate of Easton High School and very active member of First United Church of Christ, Easton. Jerry was employed by Christmas City Printing for 16 years before retiring in 2015.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra (Ventre) Strohl; 2 daughters: Shara Heller (husband Richard) of Palmer Twp., Shawna Shriver of Forks Twp.; 2 granddaughters: Rebecca and Lauren; and a great-granddaughter: Kaia. He was predeceased by his sisters: Shirley, Beverly, Natalie and Nada.

Services are private. The Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Ruth Elanore Erb, 100, formerly of Palmer Twp., Easton, PA, died restfully Monday, February 26, 2024, while residing in The Masonic Home of Florida, Saint Petersburg, FL. Born May 4, 1923, in Easton, PA, she was a daughter of the late Irvin Ephraim and Anna Margaret (Strunk) Sholley. Ruth acted in the high school play and became proficient with the clarinet. In the early 1950’s, Ruth was a floor supervisor at Shapiro Co. in Easton. In the early 1970’s she became a ward clerk in the medical and surgical intensive care units at Easton Hospital, retiring in 1985. After 65 years at the same Easton address, Ruth moved to Florida in 2016 to The Fountains at Boca Ciega Bay, an independent living facility. Ruth soon was elected to the Resident Council where she robustly promoted the activities program through example by daily exercise, walking, and attending aerobic classes. In August 2023, Ruth entered the Masonic Home after a fall.

Ruth was a member of Earl Held’s All-Girl Band which performed in the region and was an officer of the reunion committee for the Easton High School Class of 1940. She was a lifetime member of First Moravian Church, Easton, serving as a sacristan, member of the board and various committees, and a greeter for the roast beef dinners.

She is survived by an older sister: Thelma S. Spencer of Martinsburg, WV; a son: Glenn R. and his wife, Vickie of Morrisonville, NY; a daughter: Shelley E. Ziegler and her husband, Tim Kehoe of St. Petersburg, FL; three grandchildren: Benn R. Erb and his wife Danielle, Plattsburgh, NY; Anna C. Erb and life-partner Eric Barnhill, Garner, NC; Katharine E. Ziegler, Nashville, TN; four great-grandchildren: Adison J., Bryson R., and Calliope L. Erb of Plattsburgh and Althea G. Barnhill of Garner. Predeceased are her husband, Donald H. Erb, and her younger brother, Irvin E. “Duke” Sholley, Jr.

Services are 2 PM Wednesday (March 6) at First Moravian Church, 225 N. 10th St., aston, with visitation from 1 to 2 PM. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine.  The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth’s memory to First Moravian Church, 225 N 10th St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.