Helen C. (Golab) Werkheiser, 95, of Bethlehem, passed away September 13, 2018. She was the loving wife of the late Gerald H. Werkheiser. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Helena (Zielenska) Golab. Helen was primarily a homemaker but took pride in working during WWII for Bethlehem Steel. She achieved her life long goal of obtaining her GED, at the age of 70, from Liberty High School. She was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church and participated in their Sodality group. Helen volunteered for Holy Family Manor and enjoyed being involved with her children’s activities. Helen treasured her time with her family, especially with her grandchildren.
Survivors: sons- Gerald F. and wife Frances of Coopersburg, Richard S. and wife Joan of Easton, Jeffrey A. of Bethlehem; daughter- Mary Ellen Bedics and husband Joseph of Bethlehem; grandchildren- Jennifer Venzie, Erika Johnson, Mike Werkheiser, Steven Werkheiser, Kathryn Baglini, Tim Werkheiser, Lauren Bachman, Jolene Hahn, Kelsey Bedics, Andrew Werkheiser, Philip Werkheiser, Emily Werkheiser; 12 great grandchildren; sister- Mary F. Lawrence; former daughter-in-laws- Lenore Capuano and Kathy Woolf. She was predeceased by her son- David A. Werkheiser, sisters- Agnes Mozaeke and Adella Martin and her foster sister- Blanche Avilla.
A calling time will be held on Tuesday, September 18th 9:30-10:30AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM, all at Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
As Helen would say "God Speed!"

George Creedon West, 92, of Allentown died peacefully Thursday, February 15, 2018. Born in Homestead, PA November 4, 1925, he was eldest son of John R. and Katherine (Creedon) West. George was a combat veteran of WWII, serving with the Fighting 69th Infantry in Europe. He later served the U.S. Navy Reserves, receiving honorable discharges from both the Army and Navy. George began his career with the U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, lived and worked in California for several years, and later became a long-time realtor and insurance professional in the Lehigh Valley heading his own agencies, West Associates Insurance and Century 21 West Associates. George had an active family and social life. He loved to sing in church choirs and was a founding member of the St. Catherine’s Cathedral Choir. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.



George is survived by his loving companion of more than thirty years, Lina O’Brien of Allentown and her extended family. He is also survived by three adult children: Georgine Takach of Pottstown, James West and his wife Ruhi of Schnecksville, and Denise Grove and husband Doug of Naples, NY; and seven grand-children and five great- grandchildren; a brother, John R. West of Laguna Woods, CA and sister Patricia (West) Hrosik of Greensburg, PA. He was predeceased by daughter, Mary Katherine (John) Senkarik and first wife, Jean Stuffle, as well as three brothers, Justin, Robert, Jerome and sister, Joan. He was loved by all.


There are no viewing or funeral services as George desired that his body be donated for medical research. A memorial and celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined. Expressions of remembrance and condolences can be made online to the Morning Call Obituary website or through the Downing Funeral Home, 1002 W. Broad St., Bethlehem. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2024 Lehigh St., Suite100 Allentown, PA 18103.

Geraldine (Jerri) Greiner Wood of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania passed away on February 10, 2018. She was born on August 20, 1930 in Columbiana, Ohio where she was raised with her two brothers Sam and Don, by Mildred and George Greiner, all predeceased her.
After attending Ohio State, Jerri lived briefly in Ohio and then in Miami, Florida with her three sons and first husband Bob Herchek. Later in life, she pursued a degree and career in psychiatric social work before moving to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania where she met and married her late husband, John Wood.
John and Jerri loved to travel. Europe, Greece, and Alaska were highlights where they typically stayed in elder hostiles and met many interesting people. They were very involved in the Unitarian Universalist church, enjoyed the challenge of tennis and contract bridge, as well as camping, white water rafting, "Hearts" and other games played with children and grandchildren.
Jerri had a point of view on most any topic. She was an NPR enthusiast, avid reader, loved opera, singing in the church choir, interior design, and artwork. A staunch feminist and democrat, Jerri had a reputation for getting into heated debates on these topics (family members knew to avoid them)! Family and friends were the cornerstones of Jerri's life. Family was a particular source of pride and joy for her, and over the years, she orchestrated many Greiner family reunions. She was an interested parent and grandparent and she cherished time spent with each family member.
Jerri is survived by her three sons; Jim Herchek and wife Yun of Duluth, Georgia, and their daughters Alice and Beatrice; Gary Herchek and wife Deb of Concord, Massachusetts, their son Andrew, his wife Whitney, and their son Noah (Jerri's great-grandson), Lacey Herchek Loehr and her husband Alex; and Tom Herchek and wife Sue of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and their daughters Jenni and Christa. She is also survived by a niece and nephews, and stepchildren Eric, Claudia, and Ethan Wood.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Jerri at 2PM on March 3rd at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley (424 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018) or Planned Parenthood; www.plannedparenthood.org for online donations or P.O. Box 97166 Washington, DC 20090-7166.
Arrangements under the care of Downing Funeral Home, Bethlehem, PA. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit: www.downingfuneralhome.com

Regina W. (Wiley) Watson, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away January 14, 2018. She was the wife of the late James Watson. Born in Hendricks County, IN, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Delia (Dugan) Wiley. She was 6th of their nine children. She was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.

She is survived by one sister and one brother, both in Indiana, by her daughter - Jane Watson of Cumming, GA, 4 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

A calling time will be held Monday, January 22nd 10-10:30AM with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30AM all in Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church 1861 Catasauqua Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Savior Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Regina’s name to Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church.

Barry A. Werner, 60, of Bethlehem, passed away January 5, 2018. He was the son of William and Anna M. (Domyan) Werner. He had attended Saucon Valley School District. Barry was self-employed in construction and installed flag poles. He loved animals and working on cars and motorcycles. He was a member of the Washington Club.

Survivors: Parents; Brother- Gregory and his wife Lisa of Fountain Hill; Uncle Joseph and Aunt Barbara Bedics of Allentown; Cousins- Debbie Szabo and Robert Domyan. He was predeceased by his Grandparents- Charles Domyan, Frank and Julie Kucsan, Helen Leigh.

Services will be Private care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to a Local Animal Shelter.

Calvin W. Weaver, 91, of Bethlehem, passed away December 19, 2017. He was the loving husband of almost 70 years to Ruth (Anderson) Weaver. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Calvin and Anna (Klepinger) Weaver. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during WWII. He served a 2 year tour in Okinawa with the 6th Marine Division. Calvin retired from the Bethlehem Police Department after 33 years of service. He enjoyed hunting, golf and all sports.

Survivors: wife- Ruth Weaver; grandson- Brett Weaver; granddaughter- Toni Weaver; brother- Edward and wife Karla Weaver; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son- Rick Weaver.

A calling time will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 27th 11AM-12PM with a Memorial Service to follow at 12PM all in Downing Funeral Home, Inc. 1002 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

William F. "Bill" Werner, 73, of Bethlehem passed away peacefully June 28, 2017 in the arms of his earth angel Lucille. His encouraging, strong, positive attitude, lively sports conversations, quick wit and humor made Bill a friend of all. Bill's omnipresence will allow our spirit to be filled by him for years to come.


There will be a gravesite service with Military honors at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. In addition, a local Celebration of Life will be planned. Arrangements care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.


Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations made in Bill's memory to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, Development Department, 850 South 5th Street, Allentown, PA 18103 or online donations to goodshepherdrehab.org/donation-form will support the Optimal Fitness Center.

Robert C. Williamson, 100, of Bethlehem, passed away November 3, 2016 at Moravian Village. He was the loving husband of the late Virginia (Lorenzini) Williamson who passed away in 2015. Born in Los Angeles, CA, he was the son of the late Burt and Minnie (Kenyon) Williamson. Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII and was stationed for a period of time in Spokane, Washington. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Southern California. He was a professor of sociology at Los Angeles City College and was Professor Emeritus at Lehigh University having founded the Department of Sociology at Lehigh in 1963 and remaining there as a professor for 21 years before retiring. In conjunction with his academic and professional work, Robert wrote or co-authored 12 books in the fields of sociology and linguistics. He was an extensive traveller visiting over 95 countries including some for research projects and sabbatical programs. In addition to enjoying travel with his family and time with his many friends, Bob had a passion for opera, cinema, and foreign languages. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley and a supporter of many charitable organizations. He had a zest for life, genuine curiosity about all things, and will be missed by loving friends and family.

Bob is survived by his son Larry and wife Carol of Chatham, NJ; son Eric and wife Kathleen of Pleasantville, NY; and grandchildren Matthew, Julie, Graham and Corinne. He is survived by his sister Neva Smith of San Diego, CA and was predeceased by his brother Lloyd.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday November 10th at 11am at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St. Bethlehem, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Robert’s memory to Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.