Amelia L. Mikitka

Amelia “Millie” Mikitka, 95, of Bethlehem, PA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 15th, 2024, at Fellowship Manor in Whitehall.

Born on March 1st, 1928, in Bath, PA, she was the daughter of the late George and Valeria (Janas) Klusko. She graduated from Nazareth High School in 1946. After her graduation, she received her beautician license and worked in several salons in Bethlehem. She also worked in the Bethlehem Area School District as a teacher’s aide at Lincoln Elementary, Northeast and Broughal Middle Schools for many years.

She married the love of her life, James Mikitka, on September 7th, 1957. Together, they were loyal followers of their sons’ activities, attending many sporting and school events, especially the Liberty High School Grenadier Band. They were also avid supporters of Musikfest, never missing a year in attendance and spending many years there with their family and friends. Their grandchildren especially cherish the numerous trolley rides spent with their Nana and Pop-Pop.

She was a renowned family baker and cook. Her famous halupkies and kiffles were always sought after and enjoyed at family gatherings. Additionally, she was an avid gardener, and you could always find her out in her yard tending to the wide variety of plants. She was a very talented seamstress, sewing and crocheting many treasured family items throughout the years. She will forever be remembered for her quick wit, which was certainly enhanced by her joy of solving the daily cryptogram and other various puzzles. She was also a dedicated sports fan and enjoyed watching baseball and Eagles football games, as well as local high school sports with her husband and family.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her four grandchildren and organizing family events. Christmas Eve celebrations at her home would always be a highlight of the holiday season for her family and an integral memory for her grandchildren.

Amelia and James were lifetime members of Saint Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church of Bethlehem, PA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband James in 2004, and siblings Helen, Anthony, Edward, Thomas, and Adolph.

She will be lovingly remembered and is survived by her sons James B. Mikitka and his wife Lisa, Jeffrey P. Mikitka and his wife Karen, grandchildren Kaitlin O'Leary and her husband Ryan, Jeffrey P. Jr. and his fiancée Jillian, Eric and his wife Georjenna and Jennifer and her boyfriend Rob.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 8-9:30 a.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. An Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will begin at 10 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, 1140 Johnston Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18017. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Please see "tribute wall" on Connell Funeral Home website to view photos that Amelia's family put together.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, https://give2.chop.edu in memory of Amelia Mikitka.

Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com.