Barbara J. Hanks

Barbara J. Hanks, 86 of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 17, 2022, at her home with her companion, partner, BFF Joyce Kohler by her side. Born January 16, 1936 in Urbana, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Dorothy Hanks.

Barbara earned her Bachelors degree in Nursing from Blackburn College, She continued her education earning both a Masters in Nursing and a Masters in Rehabilitation from the University of Minnesota. Barbara was last employed as the Staff Nurse for the Bethlehem Steel Co. Health Center for 8 years before retiring in 1998. Prior to she worked for the Lehigh Valley Hospital organization in Mid level Management nursing. Before that she was Vice President of Nursing for St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem and prior to that she was Vice President of Nursing for Blodgett Hospital,
Grand Rapids, MI.
Barbara was a long time member of Grace U.C.C.,Northampton, where she served on Consistory (President,Secretary): Hand Bell Choir; Evangelism Committee; Pastoral Search Committees (Chair 2009); 100th Anniversary Committee; Women's Guild; Candy Making Crew; Confirmation Student Mentor; Home Communion Ministry Team.

She also held position at the PNEC level serving as, Church and Ministry Committee (Chair); Response Team; Joint Conflict Resource Team; Interim Ministry Task Force; Moderator 1995-1996; Moderator 2017-2018; Licensed/Commissioned Ministry Committee; Conference Minister Search Committee (Chair); General Synod Delegate; UCC Honored Laywoman 1997; Board of Directors; Spiritual Renewal Partners; Joint Conference Vision and Development Team; Designated-Term Conference Minister Search Committee; Staff and Personnel Committee;
GEM Fund Team; YEA Fund Team; Congregational COACH.

She also served at the National Church level as, Executive Council (2007-2013) - Development Committee; General Synod Committee Hearing Facilitator (2003) ; Still Speaking Initiative Trainer.

Barbara also was a Volunteer for N.C. Meals on wheels for over 20 years. She was a lover of the Arts, attending many Plays / Concerts. An avid and faithful fan of DePaul's Women's Basketball, she was known as one of the Auntie's of the East. Barbara was deeply loved and respected by all that knew her through work and her volunteerism and she will be dearly missed.

Surviving along with her companion Joyce are, many nieces and nephews, her beloved cats; Jasmine and Lily. She was recently predeceased be her long time friend and Joyce's sister, Natalie Miller on June 5th.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday June 24, 2022 at Grace United Church of Christ, 902 Lincoln Avenue Northampton, PA 18067, with the Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Schisler Funeral Home, 2119 Washington Ave. Northampton, PA 18067 has been entrusted with her care and arrangements. Following services, all are invited to join at a luncheon reception at the Northampton Event & Banquet Center, 1601 Laubach Avenue, Northampton, PA. 18067.

Memorial contributions; In lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to Grace U.C.C. Church memorial fund or the PNEC Ministers fund both c/o the funeral home.