Wendy Lou Omdahl

Wendy Lou Omdahl, 53, of Bethlehem, died January 9, 2009 while surrounded by her loving family at the Hospice of the VNA of St. Luke's. She was born March 22, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio, daughter of Patrick Murphy of Poland, Ohio and the late SaraFye Murphy. She was the wife of Attorney James C. Omdahl. They were married for 29 years this past August. Wendy was the loving mother of daughter, Rachel Omdahl, who attends James Madison University.

Wendy loved her family and friends and was known for her sense of humor and adventuresome spirit. Wendy especially loved children and was a devoted teacher for 28 years. She received her degree in elementary education from Grove City College in 1977 and taught in the Austintown, OH and Lima, OH school districts before joining the Bethlehem Area School District in 1980. Wendy taught at both Donegan and

James Buchanan elementary schools in Bethlehem, where she was a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of Bethlehem area children. She retired from teaching in 2007. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem.

She is survived by her husband, daughter, father, brother Michael Murphy of Houston, TX, sisters Patricia Kane of St. Charles, IL, and Barbara Coster of Oakville, Ontario. Wendy will be lovingly remembered by each member of her large extended family whom she adored.

A memorial service will be held 2:00PM on Tuesday January 13, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center St. Bethlehem, PA 18017. A calling hour will be held from 1:00-2:00PM prior to the church service. Burial will be at the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke's 1510 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 200, Bethlehem , PA 18017.