Loretta Cerchiaro-Valentin

Philomena Loretta Cerchiaro-Valentin, 75, of Bethlehem, died on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness.

She was born May 7, 1932 in Nesquehoning, PA; the daughter of the late Frank and Lucia Panebianco Cerchiaro.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband Manuel R. Valentin of Bethlehem.

Loretta was educated in Mauch Chunk Twp. schools graduating in 1950. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Temple University and later received her Master of Arts Degree from Lehigh University.

She began her teaching career at Fountain Hill High School and enjoyed 33 years as a teacher and guidance counselor in the Bethlehem Area School District until her retirement.

Loretta was active in the community and professional organizations including the PA State Education Assoc., the Bethlehem Professional Women's BPW Club and the American Association of University Women.

She was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Bethlehem.

During her lifetime she enjoyed traveling, playing cards, reading and an occasional visit to Atlantic City and Las Vegas.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Manuel; two sisters, Gloria Shubeck and her husband Robert of Nesquehoning, PA and Lucille Gambardella and her husband Robert of Lewes, DE. She is also survived by her husband's great grandchildren Joshua, Xavier, Marc, Joseph and Christopher; nieces and nephews, Lisa Snisky, Frank and Robert Shubeck and Gina and Andrea Gambardella; great nieces and nephews as well as many cousins from PA, DE, Ohio and Florida.

A visitation will be held at Connell Funeral Home, Inc. 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 6-9PM. Another visitation will be held on Monday, March 10, 2008 from 9-10AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 3219 Santee Rd. Bethlehem PA 18020 followed by Mass at 10AM.

Burial will be at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem immediately following Mass.