Obituaries

Helen “Bitsy” Jeffers, 85, of Moravian Village, Bethlehem, PA formerly of Palmer Township, PA died peacefully at home on July 30, 2021. Born January 4, 1936 in Cold Spring, NY to Oscar S. Bray and Helen (Shanley) Bray, Bitsy grew up in Lynnfield, MA and graduated from Wakefield (MA) High School. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Mount Holyoke College and a Masters of Education from Harvard University. She met her husband, Bill, during their freshman year in college, and they were married the year after they graduated. Together, they raised three children and delighted in the accomplishments of all their children and grandchildren.

Bitsy began her career as an elementary school teacher in Massachusetts, and later taught for 22 years at Easton Middle School and Easton Area High School before retiring in 1998. She was a voracious reader, was actively engaged in political discourse, and greatly enjoyed gardening, nature and the outdoors. Bitsy participated in many activities at Lafayette College, where Bill was a faculty member, was an active member of the League of Women Voters and AAUW, served on the Board of Directors of the Easton Public Library, and volunteered at St. Lukes Hospital in Fountain Hill until 2020.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. William A. “Bill” Jeffers Jr. who died in 2008. She is survived by her children Peggy Duggan (David) of Arboles, CO, John Jeffers (Mary Edrich) of Houston, TX, and Will Jeffers (Nora Manley) of Mattapan, MA; her sister, Mary Elizabeth “Tish” Womack of Nashville, TN, sister-in-law Carol Hollenberg of Santa Rosa, CA, and brother-in-law Khaled Mrad of Tunisia; five grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, October 9 at 10:30 AM in the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, PA with a calling period from 10:00 to 10:30 AM. Masks are required in the church. The service will be livestreamed at https://livestream.com/nativitycathedral/events/9875779.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Cindy Montes-Tomlinson, 54 of Easton, PA died July 28, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born March 9, 1967 in NYC, NY she was a daughter of Arcadia Montes of NYC and the late Eddie Montes. She was employed by BMW North America.

She is survived by her mother; her husband: Michael Tomlinson; a daughter: Brittney Montes; sisters: Delia Nieves, Vidalina Gil; brothers: Eddie Montes. Jose Montes; and granddaughter: Malanii. A daughter: Raven Griffin predeceased her.

Services will be held in the Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA, with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, Linden, NJ. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Jessica L. Brill, 43, of Easton, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 25, 2021 in St. Luke’s Hospital as a result of heart complications. Born August 1, 1977 in Easton, she was a daughter of Ed and Pat (Ridyard) Lucey. She graduated from Easton Area High School in 1995 and received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from DeSales University. Jessica worked for NJ Advance Media for many years. Prior to that she worked for M&M/Mars and Victaulic. She was a member of Palmer Moravian Church where she served as an Elder and was a Sunday school teacher. She also volunteered for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children in Warren County and was an active volunteer for her son’s Cub Scout pack.

Surviving with her parents, Ed and Pat, are her son, Parker Brill; her brother, Corin Lucey; her sister, Kate Lucey; and her uncle, David Ridyard and his wife, Susan.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Palmer Moravian Church, 2901 John St., Palmer Township. A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm on Friday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton.

Memorial contributions may be made to CASA of Somerset, Hunterdon, & Warren Counties, www.casashaw.org. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Vivian K. Coles, 84 of Raubsville, PA died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Cedarbrook Nursing Home, Fountain Hill, PA. Born December 5, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Beatrice (Bishop) and Herbert Shelly. Her husband Markus Coles died in 1985. She was a 1954 graduate of Allentown High School and member of the Blue Church, Williams Twp. She worked in childcare most of her life. She is survived by her daughters: Benita, with whom she resided and Tammy.

A graveside service will be held at Noon, Monday (July 26) at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, 1700 Airport Rd., Allentown. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Flowers are welcomed or contributions may be made, c/o Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042 to help with funeral expenses. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com

Nicolas Charles “Nino” Makkas, 20 of Palmer Twp., PA died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at home. Born July 26, 2000 in Phillipsburg, NJ he was a son of Nick P. Makkas with whom he resided and Denise (Kolb) Makkas of Easton. He was a 2018 graduate of Easton High School and an avid dirt bike enthusiast. He loved motorcycles, fast cars and life.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his best friend and brother forever: Demitri; his sisters: Marisa and Gabriella; grandparents: Gus Makkas and Marie Jones; aunts: Maria Makkas and Michele Andre; uncles: Rommie (wife Kathy) Stricklin and Charles L. Kolb; niece: Layla;  cousins, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents: Jean Makkas and Charles Kolb, great-grandparents: Rose and Al DellaSala and Helen Pepinger; and uncles: George Makkas and Legon Stricklin.

Services are 11 AM Tuesday July 27) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, with visitation 4 to 7 PM Monday and 10 to 11 AM Tuesday in the funeral home. Interment will be private at Washington Cemetery, Washington, NJ. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.