Ann Elizabeth Gillen

Ann Elizabeth Gillen, 91, of Bethlehem, died peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2011 at her residence.

She was born in Freeland, the daughter of the late Lawrence and Anna Bonnick Welsh.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Thomas A. Gillen.

Ann was a devoted wife and mother of five children who went on to become a successful business woman after her husband's illness. She worked in the Trust Dept. of Union Bank and Trust Co. and later Nazareth National Bank.

Ann was a devoted parishioner of Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church, Bethlehem; where she was a member of the Seniors Club and longtime treasurer of the 55 + Club.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Thomas A. "Tim" Gillen, Jr.; Mary Anne Hoffman and her husband Thomas; Elizabeth Swigart and her husband Robert; Eileen Darlington and her husband Peter; William Gillen and his wife Angie all of Bethlehem; as well as her cherished grandchildren, John Thomas and Harry Gillen; Erik and Jake Hoffman; Ryan and Jeffrey Swigart; Tommy, Amy and David Darlington and Sophie Gillen. Ann will also be dearly missed by her siblings, Mary Brennan and Dolores Kiak both of Hellertown and John Welsh of Charlotte, NC and Thomas Welsh of Wyomissing.

Ann was predeceased by her siblings, Lawrence Welsh, Helen Kusenda and Rose Svadeba.

Ann was a talented artist, an avid reader and loved baking treats for her family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 5-7 PM and again on Monday, September 12, 2011 from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Monday at Ss Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Good Shepherd Plaza 850 S. Fifth St. Allentown, PA 18103