Rachel Bayer

Rachel Throop Bayer, age 93, died peacefully Saturday November 3, 2007 at Kirkland Village, a Continuing Care Community in Bethlehem, PA. Mrs. Bayer leaves behind six children, Daniel and his wife Claudette of Harrisburg, PA; Peter of Jupiter, Florida; Thomas and his wife Linda of Port Vila, Vanuatu, South Pacific; Andrea Paine and her husband Rodger of Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Stephen of Philadelphia and Curtis Jr. and his wife Cindy of Ithaca, New York. Another son, Timothy, died in 1987.

In addition to her children she leaves thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Her husband of 62 years, Curtis F. Bayer, Lehigh University class of 1935, died in 1997.

Mrs. Bayer was born and spent her formative years in Shanghai, China, the daughter of missionary parents. Her father, the Rev. Dr. Montgomery Hunt Throop III spent most of his life in China, serving as Chairman of the English Department of St. John?s University in Shanghai and as pastor of several parishes in China and in the United States.

Mrs. Bayer was predeceased by 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and 2 daughters ?in-law.

She was a graduate of St. Agnes School in Albany, New York now the Doane School and Vassar College 1935. Mrs. Bayer and her husband spent many years in Maplewood, New Jersey and Moreland Hills, Ohio, where they raised their six sons and one daughter. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed reading and was an expert crossword puzzle devotee. In later years, she became an accomplished water colorist. Mrs. Bayer was a member of St. Anne?s Catholic Church in Bethlehem. An extraordinary, gracious and kind person of beauty and intellect, she touched everyone with her love and intelligent wit and will be missed by all who knew her.

There will be visitation from 9:30-10:30AM on Wednesday November 7, 2007 at St. Anne?s Catholic Church 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem, PA. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am in the church. Graveside services will be at St. Patrick?s Cemetery in White Haven, Pa. at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Hospice 2268 S. 12th St. Suite 404 Allentown, Pa. 18103