Rachel Z. Hampsey

Rachel Z. Hampsey, 85, of Bethlehem, formerly of Richland, died peacefully after a brief illness on September 9, 2010 at St. Luke's Hospital. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of John A. Hampsey M.D. who preceded her in death in 1995.

She was a member of St Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem.

Born September 1, 1925, in Richland PA, Rachel was the daughter of Susan Edris and Rev. Charles Ziegler.

A nursing shortage during WW2 allowed Rachel to receive a grant for nursing school. She graduated from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania as an RN in 1945, and specialized in pediatrics. It is at HUP, that she met her future husband, Dr. John A. Hampsey, who was in his surgical residency.

In July of 1949, Rachel and John married, and lived in Bethlehem throughout their lives. Rachel had seven children. She was a volunteer for the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, as well as for Meals on Wheels. Rachel loved spending time with her family and friends, gardening, floral design, travel, and bird-watching. In addition, she played tennis regularly at the Northwood Tennis Club.

Rachel will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her wisdom, encouragement, and keen sense of humor.

Rachel is survived by her five daughters and two sons. Patrice McDermott, wife of John McDermott, Arlington, VA, Sue Anne Golden, wife of John Golden, Emmaus, Mary Berlin, wife of Michael Berlin, Bethlehem, Kristin Cassidy, wife of Terry Cassidy, and Lisa Haggard, wife of Dr. Rob Haggard, both of Lebanon: Two sons, John A Hampsey Jr.,wife Kimberly Hampsey Allentown, Thomas C. Hampsey of Bethlehem.

Rachel has 10 grandchildren.

Rachel was preceded in death by 9 siblings: Reba Anspach, Grace Morgan, Cordelia Klopp, Mary Moody, Esther Wenger, Naomi Fake, Marion Massad, Amy Brown and brother Ray Ziegler.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be sent to the Dr. John A. and Rachel Z. Hampsey Scholarship Fund; DeSales University, 2755 Station Ave, Center Valley, PA 78034-9568.