Irma T. Fertal

Irma T. Fertal, 93, of Bethlehem, died on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Holy Family Manor.

Born June 25, 1916 to Frank and Mary Schemenek, she married Edward George Fertal, Jr. on November 18, 1937. She was a homemaker and worked as a cashier at Hess Brothers and Bethlehem Catholic High School.

Mrs. Fertal was an active member of many organizations. She served as president of the original HEAD Club Help Elderly Adults Direct and loved the job. For years HEAD was the only senior citizens' group in existence. Friends knew that they could count on her when they needed help or a ride so they could participate in some social activity or get to Doctors appointments. She assisted the Democratic committee in transporting seniors and working at the polls. Irma enjoyed the many event provided by her membership in branch 074 of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. She assisted American Cancer and Heart Associations in their fund raisers. She was a lifelong parishioner of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church, now Incarnation of Our Lord Parish.

Hobbies such as sewing, knitting and gardening helped fill any idle hours. Her many trophies attest to her passion for bowling, once scoring a 214 on Valentine's Day.

Irma was predeceased by her husband, Edward G. Fertal, Jr.; sister, Mary Chuck and granddaughter, Bridget Fertal. Surviving are a daughter, Mary Jane Kris and a son Edward George Fertal, III; three grandchildren, Douglas Kris, Allison Kris and Melissa Lokovic, as well as eight great grandchildren, Emma Lokovic, Lucy Lokovic, Jack Lokovic, Alexis Kris Bienstock, Zoe Kris Bienstock, Ella Kris Bienstock, Mary Kris and Patrick Kris.

Irma will be remembered as a loyal friend, devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. May she find peace at last as she joins family and friends who have gone before her.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 6-8 PM at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem PA 18018 and again on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 from 8-9:30 AM at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 10 AM at Incarnation of Our Lord Parish 617 Pierce St. Bethlehem PA 18015.

Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Manor 1200 Spring St. Bethlehem PA 18018.