Obituaries

Lynn Steckley, 84, of Forks Township (formerly of Watchung, NJ) died peacefully with her family by her side on Sunday, November 21, 2021 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg, following a short illness. Born in Brooklyn NY on August 13, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Elwood and Dorothy (Behling) Stiansen. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Kurt D. Steckley, her daughter, Kim Steckley, Kim’s fiancé, Mark Fordham, her brother-in-law, John DePue (husband of Patricia DePue, nee Steckley – deceased), her nephews David and Michael, her niece, Michelle, their families, and many much-loved cousins and friends.
She is remembered as a bright star with endless talents.

Lynn graduated from Montclair State University and later received a Master’s Degree from Trenton State College. She devoted her professional career as a Speech Language Pathologist to infants, children and young adults with severe disabilities. Prior to opening her own private practice for 15 years, she worked at the Eden Institute, the Somerset Hills Institute and the Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ.

She was a committed community servant and advocate throughout her life. She served on the Board of Education in Watchung, NJ, for many years. Most recently, together with Kurt, she was a devoted member of the College Hill Presbyterian Church in Easton and an active member of the Riverview Estates Active Adult Community Association.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 1:00 pm in College Hill Presbyterian Church, 501 Brodhead St., Easton. A reception lunch will follow in the lower level of the church. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org. Please offer your condolences to her family online at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Mary Ann Howell, 84 formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem, PA. Born April 15, 1937 in Taylor, PA she was a daughter of the late Ella (Esaskie) and Steven Seftchick. She was employed by Scranton Hospital as an X-Ray technician for several years. She was a member of the Solomon Abby in Safety Harbor, FL. She was predeceased by her husband Robert F. Howell.

She is survived by 3 children: Robert J. Howell of Palmer Twp.; Robin Holifield of Virginia Beach, VA; Cassandra Howell of Laughlin, NV; a brother Steven Seftchick; sister: Carolyn Mrazik; 4 grandchildren: Amanda Boyle, Ashley McBride, Darcie Holifield, Kelly Holifield and a great-grandson: RayRay.

Graveside services will be held 12 PM Monday (Nov. 22) at Indianland Cemetery, 787 Almond Rd., Cherryville, PA. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, is handling arrangements. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Erma E. Flowers, 104, formerly of Palmer Twp., PA died Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Country Meadows, Bethlehem. Born May 17, 1917 in Bangor, PA she was a daughter of the late Myrtie (Kauffman) and George C. Hawk. She was employed by Bangor Clothing and Kasover Trousers for many years. Erma was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hecktown and member of the former Christ Lutheran Church, Easton where she was a Sunday school teacher. She was a member at large of Camp 83, Patriotic Order of Americans and a 20-year volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Erma was also a mall walker who loved to travel and play cards.

She is survived by a son: Richard A. Flowers and his wife Elaine of Calabash, NC; a grandson: Christian Flowers and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Howard L. Flowers; son: Craig L.  Flowers; 5 brothers and 3 sisters.

Services are private. Interment is in Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Church, 323 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Raymond D. LaBarre, D.C., 87, of Palmer Twp., PA went to heaven, at his home, with his family by his bedside, Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Born January 26, 1934 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of the late Esther (Everhart) and Raymond L. LaBarre. He and his wife, the former Gloria Ihrie were married 63 years this past August. Raymond was a graduate of Phillipsburg High School, Class of 1952 and the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, Class of 1960. He was an Army veteran, serving as a paratrooper and trumpeter in the band of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY.

Dr. LaBarre was in private practice in Easton for over 50 years, with his chiropractic office starting at 22 N. 3rd St. in Easton before relocating to 1843 Northampton St., in Wilson Borough. He was a member of Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, Palmer Twp. and served many years as a president of the Northampton County Gideons. He was also a member of the Pioneer Band of Allentown for many years.

In addition to his wife, Gloria, he is survived by a son: Dr. Matthew LaBarre (wife Janine) of Nazareth, PA; daughter: Debora Melchert (husband Dr. Andrew) of Richmond, VA; daughter-in-law: Sherry LaBarre in Florida; 2 brothers: Dr. Royal LaBarre in Florida, John LaBarre of Easton; a sister: Marguerite Buhler in Peru; 7 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; 3 great-grandsons; and 2 great-granddaughters. He was predeceased by a son: David LaBarre and brother: Rowan LaBarre.

Services will be held at Noon on Saturday (Nov. 13) at Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Palmer Twp. with visitation from 10:30 AM to noon in the church. Interment in Northampton Memorial Shrine. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, 715 Chestnut Lane, Easton, PA 18045. The family wishes to express their appreciation to St. Luke’s Hospice for their wonderful care of Ray during his battle with cancer. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Selma Jacowitz,  Sept. 24, 1928  ~  Oct. 31, 2021

Selma was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Louis Shapiro and Sophie (Ballin) Shapiro. There she met Seymour (Sy), her beloved husband of fifty-six years. Selma and Sy lived in rural New Jersey, Union, New Jersey, and Ithaca, New York, before moving to Easton in 1951, where they raised their three daughters. Selma worked as a bookkeeper for many years, all while serving as a volunteer at various organizations. She volunteered and held offices for Hadassah and Easton Home for Aged Women. Selma was a longtime volunteer for Jewish Family Services and Meals on Wheels, and she enjoyed her membership in the Easton URW Club. Selma was an active participant at Bnai Abraham synagogue, where she served on many committees. She took great pleasure and pride in researching and writing the history of the congregation for its centennial. She loved living in her home surrounded by woods. Selma often emailed to her children pictures she took of the deer, bears, and turkeys she saw outside her breakfast room window.

Survivors include her three daughters: Connie Jacowitz (Glen Schneider), Beth Glixon (Jonathan), and Amy Opitz (Brian); grandchildren: Rosa Schneider (Roberto), Lily Schneider, Rachel, Ari (Gina Campo), and Noam Opitz; great-grandchildren: Elena and Alejandra; the daughters of her deceased sister, Harriet Levine: Linda Gerson (Dan), Brenda Sutherland (David), Jill Lipari (Tom), and Louise Marion (Jim); and brother-in-law: Arthur Jacowitz (Joan) and their children: Gary, Louise, and Kenneth Jacowitz.

The family expresses their gratitude for the loving care provided by Selma’s caregivers.

Services were held at Congregation Bnai Shalom, Easton followed by interment in Bnai Abraham Cemetery, Forks Twp., PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jewish Family Services of the Lehigh Valley, Congregation Bnai Shalom, or the Audubon Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Mabel “Mibs” M. Follett, 91 of Bethlehem, PA (formerly from Palmer Township) died peacefully in the presence of family Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem. Born July 18, 1930, in Albany, NY she was a daughter of the late Ada (Stoddard) and David Martin. She and her husband Don Follett met at Cornell University on a blind date and experienced an incredible and loving marriage for over 69 years.

After graduating from high school in Albany, NY she earned her BS in Food and Nutrition Management from Cornell University in 1951. As an alumna, she remained active in Cornell activities and was a Class President. Mibs was employed by the Ladies Home Journal in NYC after graduation and later at Lafayette College in the Development Office. Mibs was instrumental in establishing the former Meals on Wheels in Easton. She was a member of AAUW-Easton Chapter, the Fortnightly Group and active in garden clubs. Mibs was most recently a member of First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem and was a former 50-year member of First Presbyterian Church, Easton where she served as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Most of all, she was an amazing wife, mother and “Mammaw” who strongly prioritized family, faith and love.

In addition to her husband, Don, she is survived by 3 children: Jim Follett (Nancy) of Ridgefield, CT, Steve Follett (Jeanne) of Center Valley, PA, and Sue Panella (Mark) of Boxford, MA; 7 grandchildren: Kristina Murphy (Patrick), Eric Follett, Allyson Follett Burns (Chris), Melissa Follett Guglielmo (Barry), Andrew Panella (Jenny), Leslie Panella and Jeff Panella; and 2 great grandchildren: Henrik Murphy and Ivy Follett Guglielmo. She was predeceased by her siblings: David Martin, Ruth Gallagher and Wilma Blum.

A calling period will be held Friday, November 19th from 5 to 7 PM in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA.  Her Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 20th at 11 AM in the Kirkland Village Auditorium, 1 Kirkland Village Circle, Bethlehem, PA. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ProJeCt of Easton at www.projecteaston.org, Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley at www.mowglv.org or the Kirkland Village Benevolent Fund at www.presbyterianseniorliving.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Richard Dilts, 54 of Walnutport, PA died Friday, October 29, 2021, at his home. Born March 17, 1967, in Easton, he was a son of the late Margaret (Hornick) and Luther Dilts, Sr. A graduate of Easton High School, he was a sanitation truck driver for many years.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, the former Teresa Klemka; 3 children: Brett Brunstetter and Adam Dilts of Easton, Brienne Laranjeira (husband Paulo) of Walnutport; and 3 grandchildren: Ella, Sophie, and Harley. He was predeceased by 7 siblings.

A viewing will be held 5 to 6:30 PM Tuesday (Nov. 2) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.