Ethel Hetman

Ethel L. Hetman, 94, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021 after being cared for by family members and hospice.

Ethel was born in Reading, Pa on May 28, 1926, daughter of the late Dorothy V. (Ibach) and Oscar D. Nordby.  She was the wife of the late Alexander Hetman, Jr. whom she married March 24, 1956 in The Chapel at Valley Forge, Pa.  Ethel is survived by two children, a son, Eric S. Hetman, husband of Constance A. (Johnson) Hetman of Reading, and daughter, Karen M. (Hetman) Bunn, wife of the late David R. Bunn of Wyomissing.  She had four grandchildren Carlee A. Hetman, Colin A. Bunn, Caitlin D. Bunn and was preceded in death by her grandson Phillip D. Hetman. She was also preceded in death by her sister Evelyn V. (Nordby) Mikos, and is survived by three nieces.

Ethel was a past member of Alsace Lutheran and St. Steven’s UCC churches and loved singing in their choirs.  Always the perfectionist, she received a Palmer Handwriting Award for her beautiful cursive penmanship. She was kind, loving, generous and had a special fondness for helping animals. Ethel was a 1944 graduate of Reading High School.

As a young lady, Ethel was a beautiful, tall, green-eyed, red head who did occasional modeling.  She began work at the St. Lawrence Dairy, then did bookkeeping before becoming a bank teller at Berks County Trust/American/Meridian Banks until her retirement.  She was active with her children’s Boy Scout and Bluebird Organizations and past president of the 5th & Spring Elementary PTA.

Ethel was a wonderful wife, mother and friend.  She delighted and entertained many with stories from her youth.  Ethel loved history, reading, writing letters and stories, antiques, refinishing furniture and putting puzzles together.  Ethel enjoyed dancing, with her husband, Alex, to the Big Band music from the 1940’s and traveling.  Most of all she loved living in her beautiful country home surrounded by her family, nature, wildlife and especially her dogs and cats.

The family would like to thank Bayada for their exceptional nursing and hospice care services.

Graveside Service will be private and held at the convenience of the family at Millcreek Cemetery, Newmanstown.  A well-deserved Celebration of Life Gathering will be held after the Covid restrictions are lifted

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Humane Society of Berks County, 1801 North 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604.

Bean Funeral Home, 1605 Rockland Street, Hampden Heights is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.