Helen T. Donches

Helen T. Bartos Donches, 91, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 9, 2006. Helen was the wife of the late Charles J. Donches, Sr. former City Council President who passed away in January 1996, after 56 years of marriage. Born August 25, 1915 in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret Cech Bartos. Helen was a lifelong member of SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Bethlehem and was a devout and prayerful Catholic. She devoted her life to her family as a homemaker and was a very kind and devoted friend to all. Helen was a graduate of Liberty High School and was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols.

Survivors: Helen is lovingly remembered by sons, Charles, Jr. and his wife, Joanne of Fort Myers, Florida; Stephen G. and his wife, Sally, of Bethlehem; daughters, Helen T. with whom she resided in Bethlehem; Margaret M. of Bethlehem; Diane and husband Gregg; as well as 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

With her husband and parents, Helen was predeceased by her son, Joseph S.; grandson, Thaddeus; brothers, Stephen, Frank and John; and sisters, Mary and Margaret.

Services: Visitation will be in Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018 on Thursday, December 14, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2006 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in SS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Joseph Donches Memorial Fund-DeSales Univ. C/o Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 East Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.