Audrey Rae Bertsch

Audrey Rae Bertsch, 90, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026. Born on May 16, 1935, in Easton, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late David and Teresa Hofschild. Audrey graduated from Easton Area High School in 1952 and later pursued additional coursework at several colleges in the Lehigh Valley.

Audrey shared 46 years of marriage with her husband, Richard E. Bertsch, until his passing in 2002. Together they raised four daughters: Kathleen Evans (William) of Highland Village, Texas; the late Camilla Philippi (Richard) of Center Valley; Julia Visnov (Richard) of Dresher, Pennsylvania; and Tracy Lilly (Matthew) of New Freedom, Pennsylvania. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.

Faith and the church community were central to Audrey’s life. She began her career serving as a church secretary and youth group leader. She later joined Lutheran Services of the Lehigh Valley, where she served as Coordinator of Volunteers and developed programs for youth preparing for confirmation. Audrey went on to become Director of the former Bethlehem Area Council of Churches and later worked as a social worker for the Bethlehem Salvation Army until her retirement.

In retirement, Audrey remained active in her church community, participating in many social and ministry activities. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister. In her free time, Audrey enjoyed reading, sewing, and gardening, and was an avid fan of Phillies baseball and Penn State football.

A memorial service to celebrate Audrey’s life will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, (175 E. Main St., New Freedom, PA 17349).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or Disabled American Veterans.