Valerie Laponuke

Valerie A. Laponuke, 68, of Bethlehem, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Fountain Hill on December 24, 1956 to the late Burton C. and Patricia L. (Santo) Deichman. Valerie was a beloved hairdresser at numerous Holiday Hair locations, where she devoted 50 years of her life to styling and beautifying her clients. She made countless friends throughout the years and was an integral part of the Bethlehem community. She retired this past May due to her illness. In addition to her passion for hairstyling, Valerie was an avid collector, finding delight in her extensive collections of turtles, frogs, snowmen, and koala bears. Valerie was a proud judge for the former VICA Olympics, now Skills USA, for the Bethlehem Area Vo-tech for many years.

Survivors: son: Nathan J. and his wife Deann R. Laponuke of Bethlehem, sister: Rhonda L. and her husband Glenn E. Fenicle, Jr. of Bethlehem; brother: Charles, W., II and his wife Karen Deichman of Bath; 3 grandchildren: Addison C., Avery N., and Holden J. Laponuke.

Services: Friends and family are invited to her viewing from 10-11am Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Connell Funeral Home, Inc., 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem. A funeral service will follow at 11am. The interment will conclude services at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be offered at www.connellfuneral.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, www.donate.cancer.org