Obituaries

George M. Hochwarter, 84 of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Wednesday, May, 7, 2014 at home.

Born: August 15, 1929 in Bethlehem, PA he was a son of the late John Hochwarter and Theresa (Teygi) Hochwarter Sigmund. He and his wife Beatrice (Back) Hochwarter have been married for 25 years.

Personal: He was employed by PBNE Railroad, Bethlehem Steel for many years before retiring and was a 1947 graduate of Easton High School where he played football and wrestled. He also loved hunting, fishing and dancing.

Survivors: His wife: Beatrice; a son: Raymond Hochwarter and his partner Dirk Pruitt of Fernley, NV; 6 daughters: Margaret Paschal and her husband Vincent of Easton; Georgann Martinez and her husband Amalio of Virginia Beach, VA; Loriann Sliker and her husband Charles of Chester, NJ; Deborah Huff of Highbridge, NJ; Maryann Chavous of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Donna Trauger of Bethlehem, PA; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter. He was predeceased by his parents; his step-father: Louis Sigmund and brothers: Raymond and Richard Hochwarter.

Services: 2 PM Monday (May 12) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, with visitation from 1 to 2 PM. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine.

Memorial Contributions: May be made to the American Cancer Society.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Marshell R. Durnin, 54, of Easton, died Saturday, May 3, 2014 in Geisinger Medical Center, Wilkes Barre.

Born:  December 2, 1959 in Norfolk, VA, she was a daughter of the late Marshall R. “Tex” and Dorothy V. (Free) Huffstutler.

Personal:  She graduated from Easton Area High School in 1977 and worked for the Easton Area School District for over 15 years where she was greatly loved by the students.  She also worked for Dubs on 5th, West Easton.

Memberships:  She was a member of American Legion, Lester Pfeffer Post 611, Easton.

Survivors:  Husband, James P. Durnin, Jr.; daughter, Lauren Durnin of Wilson Borough; son, James Durnin, III and his wife, Brandi of Wilson Borough; sisters, Beverly Wagner, Shirley Sharp, Lila Godown, and Terri Piro; brothers, Richard Weatherby and Robert Huffstutler; and three grandchildren whom she loved and cherished.

Services:  A Celebration of Marshell’s Life will be held on Friday, May 9th from Noon to 3:00 pm at Dubs on 5th, 402 5th St., West Easton.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.  Burial will be private.

Memorial Contributions:  American Heart Association, 968 Postal Rd., Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Nancy Hageman, 95, of Palmer Township, died Thursday, May 1, 2014 in her home.

Born:  January 27, 1919 in Burley, England, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Susannah (Mounsey) Shackleton.

Personal:  She and her husband, Carlton Vance Hageman were married 74 years.  Nancy was valedictorian of Wilson High School class of 1936.

Memberships:  She was a long time member of Palmer Moravian Church, Palmer Township where she sang in the choir.  She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Easton.

Survivors:  Husband, Carlton Vance Hageman; daughters, Sandy Seiple of Palmer Township and Karen Milburn and her husband, Bob of Palmer Township; grandchildren, Jeffrey Seiple, Leslie Guffy, and Brett Milburn; and 6 great grandchildren.  Her sister, Winifred Williams died earlier.

Services:  10:00 am Monday, May 5th in Palmer Moravian Church.  The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions:  Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Easton, PA 18045.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Marcia S. Lusardi, 82, beloved mother, “Nana” and friend, entered into her eternal life Sunday, April 27, 2014 at her home after succumbing to end stage COPD. Marcy defied all odds with her illness for 8 great years and continued to amaze medical staff with her strength and resilience.

Born: July 21, 1931 in Wilmington, DE, she was a daughter of the late Ralph and Ethel (Lynch) Staats. Her husband James P. Lusardi died in 2002.

Personal: Marcy grew up in Wilmington, DE and  attended Wilmington Friends School, Lasell Junior College, MA and Thompson’ s Private Business School, Wilmington. In 1953, Marcy married James P. Lusardi. The majority of the next forty years were committed to her husband and his career as a professor of English Literature. In 1967 they moved permanently to Easton and Lafayette College. Marcy’s executive secretary training served her well over the years working as a secretary, and volunteering for various organizations. An advocate for women’s rights, she became involved with Planned Parenthood of Easton in 1970. In 1972 she became the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood of Northampton County and held the position until she retired in 1983. She was active in the League of Women Voters not only of Easton but for the state and country as well. She remained active until her illness caused her to resign. Marcy had a great love of animals. She was an advocate and supporter for numerous animal protection organizations including ASPCA, Humane Society, World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club, and Tiger Creek. Her favorite pastime was watching the birds and squirrels out her back door. Marcy was a gifted pianist. Although instructed at an early age, she blossomed on her own mastering critical classical pieces and popular tunes by ear. Music gave her the most pleasure aside from her kitties, garden and house.

Survivors: Her two daughters: C. Lynn Williams (Park) and Jill Marie Hahn (Jeffrey); grandchildren: Sarah, Tyler (Karissa), Carly and Kate; two great-grandchildren: Idalynn and Marcus; brother-in-law: Henry Truax; nephew: Michael Truax and his son Aiden and her cousin: Jimmy Lewis. She was predeceased by her husband: Jimmy and her sister: Carol in 2012.

Services: Will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday (May 6) in Colton Chapel at Lafayette College, Easton; interment will be in Easton Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers please contribute generously to the animal protection organizations of your choice.

Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.