Veronica S. Donchez

Veronica Sweta Donchez, 86, of 2019 Renwick Street, Bethlehem, PA, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at Atlantic Shores Health Center in Millsboro, DE.

She was born July 6, 1924; the daughter of the late John N. and Mary Zegalia Begovich of Bethlehem, PA.

Veronica was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 44 years, Joseph C. Donchez.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Rosemary C. Gere and her husband Thomas of Aberdeen, MD; Diane D. Kichline of Rehoboth Beach, DE; Joseph C. Donchez, Jr. and his wife Donna of Doylestown, PA; her six grandchildren: Jennifer, Alyssa, and Kristen Donchez, Stephanie Wallis Kirk, Megan Kichline Hartel, and Justin Wallis; and her surviving brothers and sisters: Nicholas Begovich,

Eva Begovich Bartholomew, Angelyn Begovich, Kathy Begovich Parker, and

Anna Marie Begovich Hunsberger

Veronica was a 1942 graduate of Bethlehem High School where she was in the commercial program and was a member of the Commercial Club and Liberty Life.

She was the first woman hired by Morris Black and Sons, where she served as the company's bookkeeper and implemented the initial automated bookkeeping machine.

Veronica was a parishioner of St. John Capistrano Catholic Church in Bethlehem.

Veronica was a lifelong member of the Croatian Fraternal Union. She served as an officer for over 60 years as recording secretary, treasurer, vice president, and most recently on the Board of Trustees.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem PA 18018 and again on Friday, October 15, 2010 from 8:30-9:15 AM in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 15 at 10 AM at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church 1861 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

Burial will be held at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.