Minerva Gorzelic

Minerva Gorzelic, 81, of Orefield formerly of Bethlehem died Saturday, October 14, 2006 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown. Born in Fogelsville, she was the daughter of the late Kattas and Azzizi David Azar. She is survived by husband of 60 years, Stanley W. Gorzelic.

She was a prominent member of the Bethlehem business community for 45 years. She and her husband co-owned and operated Stanley Decorating Center in Bethlehem. Upon retirement they were recognized for their many contributions to the community through active support of the Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Catholic High School, Hogar Crea, Musikfest, and many other local schools and charities. Mayor Kenneth Smith proclaimed January 25, 1997 as Stanley and Minerva Gorzelic Day in honor of their years of community service. She was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church of Orefield where she was also a member of the Women?s Guild. She was a past member of St. Anne?s Catholic Church of Bethlehem, St. Anne?s Women?s Guild, and Bethlehem Catholic High School Booster Club. In life she enjoyed being with her children and was an avid fan of her grandchildren following their participation in sports, music, dance and many other activities.

She will be lovingly remembered by: husband, Stanley W. of Orefield; daughters, Nancy Hersch, Susan Griffith and husband David, both of Orefield, and Linda Neal and husband Robert of Richmond, VA; sons, Stanley R. and wife Patricia of Bethlehem, Michael and wife Mary Lou of Orefield; sisters, Adele Yost of Orefield and Kathryn Hacker of Coplay; 13 grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St, Bethlehem where a visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 17th from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 18th from 8 to 9 a.m. Services will begin in the funeral home on Wednesday at 9 a.m. A 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1858 Applewood Dr, Orefield. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Allentown.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center, P.O. Box 60, 6900 Hamilton Blvd; Trexlertown, PA 18087.