Sandra Fontecchia

Sandra Fontecchia, 85, a lifelong resident of Bethlehem, PA passed away on September 28, 2024. She was born February 22, 1939, daughter of the late Stephen and Angela (Strauss) Kercsmar.

She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Shelley Jacobs and spouse, Arthur; and Mandy Abruzzese and spouse, Lee; grandchildren, Megan Scotchlas and spouse, Jon; Justin Mondzak, and Hannah Rutman; great grandchildren, Sophia and Isabella Scotchlas; as well as her sister, Paula Titus, spouse, Donald; and several nieces and nephews. Sandy was preceded in death by her partner of over 30 years William Racz.

Sandy was a graduate of Liberty High School's Class of 1957 and earned a full scholarship from the Sertoma Club to St. Lukes Hospital School of nursing. After graduating in 1960 with her degree as a registered nurse, she spent some time in the St. Lukes Hospital ER. The majority of her career was in geriatric care at Cedarbrook Fountain Hill Annex as a night nurse supervisor until she happily retired in 1999. Her biggest job and greatest joy was being a mom, grandmother and great grandmother.

Sandy was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii Church until it closed in 2005. She is currently a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church in Bethlehem.

She will lovingly be remembered for her kindness, quick witted humor, her ability to make a new friend, her deep love for animals, her love of travel and lighthouses, and most of all her loyalty and love for her family. She had a huge love for all types of music and would harmonize with her best friend Lois Crooks every chance she could. Sandy was a strong, intelligent, hardworking woman who loved her children unconditionally. She will be forever known as "Goo" by those who loved her the most.

The family will receive guests on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 12-2 pm at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 am on Monday, October 7, 2024 at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington Ave., Bethlehem, PA 18017. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Center for Animal Health and Welfare,1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042.

Condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.