Obituaries

Elinor “El” H. Warner, born on October 19, 1963 in New York, NY, left our realm much too soon, on the 17th day of March, 2023. The scores of us who knew her as friend are left shocked, red-eyed, and above all grateful.  Those lucky enough to love El encountered a true force of nature, but one with a giant heart and soul. She gave us her piercing mind, savage wit, withering stare, serious focus, fearless opinions, unyielding spirit, and steadfast kindness. From her earliest days, El was tenaciously herself and a true leader. We will each miss her in our own ways for the rest of our lives.

El was a Sweet Briar College alum. As a junior, she was the fearless Editor-in-Chief of the Sweet Briar News, and as a senior, the President of the Student Government. After years of leading as President of the Class of 1985, El was a key player in the Saving Sweet Briar fight to help regain the keys to the College in 2015. After winning, she served with distinction on the Board of Directors. She had been Operations Co-Chair for the Alumnae Alliance Council up to her passing. She loved and supported her alma mater in every way imaginable.

El received her Ph.D in English at the University of Virginia; her MA in English at the University of Virginia, and her AB at Sweet Briar College, graduating magna cum laude with High Honors in American Studies.

Over the last twenty years, El provided strategic marketing consulting services to a diverse range of clients, including Three Wire Systems; VetAdvisor; Ausley Associates; and Bricata. Prior to that El was the National Director for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Chapter Communications and the founding Editor and Publisher of The Elucidator, a regional, quarterly arts and lifestyle magazine in Easton, PA. El was also a visiting assistant professor of English at Lafayette College; a visiting assistant professor of English at the College of William & Mary; and an instructor of English at the University of Virginia.

In Easton, PA, El served her community in many ways. She was a board member and Director of Development Committee for A Gathering of Tribes; Chair and Committee Member for Historic Easton Homes and Gardens; Board Member of Easton Business Association; Chair of the Advisory Board for Easton Main Street Initiative; Elected Member of Easton Home Rule Charter Study Commission; Easton City Councilwoman; and Vice Mayor of Easton.

During the pandemic, El was grateful for the social aspect of her College Hill Book Club and how her friends helped stir her intellect. El also had a bartending gig at the The Lafayette Bar where on occasion she also guest DJ’ed.

A 19-year-old El took a late summer job back in 1983, working the midnight shift, as a toll-taker. She wrote the following as part of a convocation speech the fall of 1984, her senior year at Sweet Briar College:   “I’d sit in the booth for eight hours, watching the Easton skyline, the river below me, the traffic relentless across the bridge. I wouldn’t think anything. But now I think there is a nexus between river and skyline, toll-taker and traffic. All are impermanent, doing what they have to do just for a moment in a changing landscape. And every night the landscape was so different – the traffic, the lights across the river, the water flowing in the river itself, and me, a day older, a day different. There really is no such thing as a “still life.” Life means transience, life is something that transcends itself. I learned so much just sitting there in the booth, or on my porch, watching the color of the sky change the feeling of my backyard continuously, relentlessly.”

El said in her senior-year speech:  “And so, we come to me up on
this stage trying to give some of what I’ve gotten, back to you. How do I do it? I’ve gotten so much I don’t know how to give it back. Most importantly, I’ve learned that I know nothing, that I have everything to learn every day of my life.”

El was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Brody Warner, father, Frederick Louis Warner, her cats Russell and Rufus, and her dear dog, Brody. She is survived by her sister, Lori Warner, and her dog, Teddy, along with those scores of shocked and saddened friends.

A celebration of El’s life will be held at her home with friends and family on March 22 between 4 and 6 PM. Please call the Ashton Funeral Home (610-253-4678) for details.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sweet Briar College (www.sbc.edu). Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Janet Howells Noto, a woman of great faith who lived a life dedicated to serving others. Born on September 10, 1936, in Scranton, PA, Janet was the daughter of Rev. Hayden Howells and Christina Hall Howells, and the sister of Eunice Howells Nicusanti. She was a devout Christian who lived her life with grace and humility, always seeking to spread kindness and compassion to those around her.

From a young age, Janet showed a remarkable talent for music, becoming a gifted piano player at just four years old. Her love for music never wavered, and she went on to graduate from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she honed her skills and gained a deep understanding of the role music can play in bringing joy and comfort to people’s lives.

Throughout her life, Janet dedicated herself to helping others. She spent many years as a substitute teacher in the Phillipsburg, NJ area, where she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues with her warmth and dedication. Later, she worked as the Activity Director at the Country Meadows Retirement Community in Bethlehem, PA, where her musical background helped her create programs and activities that inspired residents and brought joy to their lives.

Janet was also an active member of her church, where she played both piano and organ and shared her talents with the congregation. Her faith was an essential part of her life, and she lived each day with a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings she had received.

In addition to her dedication to music and education, Janet was an avid traveler who loved to explore new places and meet new people. Her journeys took her to England, Scotland, Australia, and many states across the US, where she made lifelong friends and created cherished memories.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Noto, in 2018, but she is survived by her loving and dedicated sister Eunice Nicusanti, nephews Keith and wife Lori Nicusanti, Kevin and wife Maria Nicusanti, children Vance and Miranda and Todd Nicusanti, wife Lisa LaVina, children Will and Julia. We ask that you join us in keeping Janet’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Friday, March 24, 2023 in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Friday in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Janet’s memory by sending donations to Meals on Wheels or The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, Easton, PA. Janet will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for music and helping others. May she rest in peace, knowing that her life has touched so many in profound and meaningful ways. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Timothy Michael Foose, Sr., 58 of Wind Gap, PA died Monday, March 13, 2023. Born March 4, 1965 in Easton, PA he was a son of Elizabeth Foose Shoemaker and the late Raymond C. Foose.

He is survived by his wife: Tamara “Tammy” (Stewart) Foose; children: Teddy Riviello, Brandy Riviello, Timothy Foose, Jr., John Foose, Miracle Stewart, Natasha Stewart, Nikita Stewart; siblings: Pat, Bob and Judy; half-sister: Renee and 10 grandchildren.

A Celebration of his Life will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

James E. Cassidy, 83, of Tafton, PA, died Saturday, March 11, 2023 in Easton, PA.  Born March 6, 1940 in Abington, PA, he was the son of the late James F. and Marie (Rohrman) Cassidy.  His wife, Ruth E. (Vogel) Cassidy died in 2021. He graduated from Temple University.

Surviving are two sons, Christopher Cassidy and his wife, Kelly of Palmer Township, and James Cassidy and his wife, Christy of North Richland Hills, TX; and a granddaughter.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Naomi L. Smith, 107 1/2 of Palmer Twp., PA died peacefully, Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Country Meadows, Forks Twp. with her daughter by her side. Born August 31, 1915 in Reading, PA she was a daughter of the late Ruth (DeTurck) and Frank Lash. She met her soul mate Wendell B. Smith in Texas, and they married on January 31, 1953. They both shared a love of antiques, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, eating desserts, laughing, music, and serving their community.

In her prime, Naomi could name every flower, tree, bird, butterfly, insect and snake. She shared that knowledge as a Camp Fire leader for girls Grades 2 to 11. Taking great pride in her home and her appearance, she practiced yoga much to the embarrassment of her (then) teenage daughters and made her own yogurt before it was trendy. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Easton for almost 40 years and spent many hours in the kitchen making soups and pies for fundraisers. Due to her stylish dressing, Naomi was affectionately known as the “hat lady” to her church friends.

She is survived by her daughter: Ruthann S. Arras of Palmer Twp.; son-in-law Sam Conard of Hillsboro, NJ (wife Barb); grandchildren: Shannon Ratkay (husband Chuck) and Marissa Menafro (husband Matthew) and 3 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Levi, and Marshall. She was predeceased by her husband, Wendell; her daughter, Esther Conard; her sister, Esther Lash, and her grandson, Jesse Conard.

The family expresses many thanks to the women of the Naomi Companion Club, who visited her as she aged. Special thanks to Deacon Shirley for her portable tea parties and enthusiastic book reading, friend Candy for her weekly phone calls, and Deacon Susan for her beautiful flute music. Naomi also enjoyed the drive-by birthdays, which included the Big Easy Easton Band performing in front of her house! Pastor Stefanie’s visits were also a highlight for her.

Her last year was spent at Country Meadows of Forks, where she was the oldest resident in the history of the facility and was treated like a Queen, especially on her 107th birthday – thank you Amy! Special thanks to Nurse Emily and Aides Tammy and Lori for their loving care that surpassed all expectations. The Lehigh Valley Hospice also provided unlimited comfort and support – thank you Nelly, who patiently provided personal care for 4 years, and Nurse Amanda.

A Celebration of her Life will be held 3 PM, Saturday, April 1, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 333 Spring Garden St., Easton, with visitation from 2 to 3 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, 333 Spring Garden St., Easton, PA 18042 or to a charity of one’s choice. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Karen L. Flad, 69, of Easton, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg. Born September 29, 1953 in Easton, she was the daughter of the late Charles A. Meyers, Sr. and Mildred E. (Randolph) Meyers. She and her husband, Thomas S. Flad were married 45 years. Karen graduated from Easton Area High School in 1971 where she was the captain and pitcher for the softball team and was a member of the swim team. She also served on the student council. She was a graduate of Northampton Community College and Kutztown University and was a member of the Penn State Alumni Association and a former member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

Surviving with her husband, Tom, are a son, Stephen M. Flad and his wife, Kelly; two grandchildren, Hendrix and Violet; and a niece, Becca Meyers Blay. Two brothers, Randolph Meyers and Charles “Bummer” Meyers, Jr. died earlier.

Services will be private. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Easton Softball Boosters, in memory of Karen Meyers Flad, c/o Easton Athletic Dept., 401 S. 25th St., Easton, PA 18045. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Noel S. Prince, 47 of Easton, PA passed away, Wednesday, February 15, 2023. Noel, affectionately known as Nolie, was born September 25, 1975 in the Bronx. He was one of three sons of the late Charles and Dorothy (Billingy) Prince. Noel was the manager at More Than Q in the Easton Public Market and also started his own bakery business, Dot’s Dream, named after his beloved mother.

Nolie had a passion for cooking and learning new recipes. He loved to joke around and laugh at literally everything, from silly pranks with fake teeth or playing dress up in hair and makeup done by his daughter. Nolie was the type of person to give you the shirt off his back but would also snatch you up by your shirt if you crossed his family. He was a vessel of knowledge and wisdom but couldn’t figure out why his packages kept being delivered to the wrong house or which container was recyclable and which was not.

He is survived by his life partner: Lateefah Gilliam; daughters: Tianna, Taylor and Tamia; his brother: Sean Prince and sister-in-law Adina Jones-Prince. He was predeceased by his brother: Charles Alfred Prince.

Services will be held 11 AM Friday (Feb. 24) at the Greater Shiloh Church, 403 Pastor Fred Davis St, Easton with visitation 10 to 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St, Easton, PA 18042. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.