Alberta Guastella

Alberta C. Guastella, 100, of Bethlehem, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Country Meadows.

Born on December 20, 1924, in Chester, PA, she was the daughter of the late Barbara (Hutchins) McIlwain and step daughter of David L. McIlwain.

She was a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a superb seamstress who not only sewed her daughters clothing but made sure their Barbie Dolls had handmade wardrobes. In addition to sewing, Alberta loved to knit and crochet. Many were recipients of her blankets, sweaters and slippers. She even crocheted a bedspread.

Even though she was not Italian she became adept at hosting large Italian family dinners. She continued to host until her 90s.

Alberta was an avid golfer for 30 years. She enjoyed the Bethlehem Steel Club which was one of her favorite places to golf in addition to many courses in Myrtle Beach during the decades she and her husband vacationed there.

She and her husband were founding and faithful members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Bethlehem. They were long time members of the fellowship club.

Alberta will be dearly missed by her three daughters, Diane Guastella, Fay Roethke, and Deborah Ciganek and her husband, Gary: seven grandchildren Theresa Roethke (Minh Luu), Joyce Lichtenfels (Scott), Becky Roethke (Joe Toth), Joseph Roethke, Jill Ciganek, Lisa Bucklin (Pete) and Laura Sheatsley (Grant). She has 13 great grandchildren.

In addition to her mother and stepfather, Alberta is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Salvatore Guastella.

Family and traditions were paramount and the cornerstone of our parents lives.

The family would like to thank the staff at Country Meadows and LifeSong Hospice for their compassionate care given.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 3219 Santee Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. in the church. Interment will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or the Carmelite Monastery, 3551 Lanark Rd., Coopersburg, PA 18036.