Loretta Lee Fadale
Loretta Lee Fadale, 86 of Hellertown, our beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away peacefully at Phoebe Nursing Home in Richlandtown, PA on January 4, 2025.
Loretta was born in Bethlehem on May 20, 1938 daughter of Elizabeth (Horvath) and Joseph Monek, Sr, immigrants who made their home in Bethlehem, PA. She grew up with her late brother Joseph Monek, Jr., whom she loved deeply.
Loretta graduated from Liberty High School in 1956, where she was head majorette of the school band. Throughout her life she enjoyed dancing, listening to opera music, camping, playing the piano, cooking Hungarian dishes, reading and doing beautiful stitch work. She was also a longtime member of St. Theresa’s Church and Guild. Loretta forged many lifelong friendships through her involvement with the church and enrolled her children in Catholic school, believing in the value of a strong education. Known for her wise counsel and love of conversation, Loretta was always ready to offer advise and reminded us to keep God in our lives. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and deep love she shared with all who knew her.
Loretta was a devoted single mother to her two children, David Fadale and Lisa (Fadale) Zelechiwsky, whom she shared with her former spouse, the late Antonio Salvatore Fadale. She was a proud and loving mother who worked hard to provide for her family. Loretta worked for five years at the Bethlehem Steel in their offices and later worked for 23 years as a financial coordinator for Durkee French Airwick.
In later years, Loretta found great joy being a grandmother. She was lovingly called “Nanny” by her four grandchildren: Vincent and Ethan Fadale, Christa Kanuck and Dana Soltysiak. Loretta was also blessed with six great-grandchildren Cole, Mason, Grant and Roan Kanuck, Olivia Anderson and Franco Dollak. Nanny cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and was immensely proud of all of them.
Loretta is survived by her son David and wife Wendy Fadale, daughter Lisa and her husband Bohdan Zelechiwsky, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Lynn Monek, nephew Bob Monek and Chris Kanuck, husband of granddaughter Christa Kanuck.
A Celebration of Loretta’s Life will be conducted at 11AM on Saturday, January 11 at the Herron Funeral Home located at 458 Center Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.