Beatrice Lehatto

Beatrice A. (nee Valasek) Lehatto, 83, of Sinking Spring, passed away May 23, 2010 at 1:10 p.m. at Manor Care, Sinking Spring, where she had been a patient since February.

Bea was born November 22, 1926 to Anna (Barinsky) and Paul Valasek, at home in the apartment above her father's haberdashery in Coaldale, PA. She graduated from Tamaqua High School and attended Pennsylvania State University before marrying Paul G. Lehatto in 1947. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1997. He preceded her in death in 1998.

Bea, who modeled for area department stores, also worked at her parents' Tamaqua hotel and restaurant, Valasek's, and at Genetti's in Hazelton. Later she was a buyer for Deisroth's Department Store, Hazelton, for 15 years, traveling frequently to New York's garment district. After retirement, Bea worked part time for 10 years as a greeter for the Myrtle Beach, S.C. Visitors Center at Broadway at the Beach.

Bea was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola R.C.C., and was a member of many professional organizations and women's clubs in Tamaqua, as well as an officer for the Myrtle Beach Garden Club.

She is survived by her sons: Paul, of Overland Park, Kansas, and David of Sinking Spring. She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Jacqueline and Dianne; grandchildren: Annie Lehatto of Beverly Hills, CA; Katie Meyers of Sinking Spring; Zack Lehatto of Los Angeles; and Andrew Lehatto of Richmond, VA; and a great granddaughter: Camryn and one on the way. She especially loved her niece: Paula Cuisinier of Orlando, FL.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was pre deceased by a sister: Dolores Spanich.

Beatie was one of a kind. Her family and friends will miss her.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Loyola R.C.C., 2810 St. Albans Dr., Sinking Spring, PA 19608.