Photo courtesy of Peppler Funeral Home - Allentown
Allentown, New Jersey
Feb 8, 1939 – Mar 4, 2022 (Age 83)
Beatrice “Bea” Strehler Machunze, of Allentown, passed away on March 4, 2022, at the age of 83 after a short illness with her daughter and a dear friend at her side. She is survived by her daughter Kerrie, her son Morgan, and two granddaughters Leah and Maxime.
Bea was born and spent her childhood in Argentina, splitting her time between the big city of Buenos Aires and the little town of Eldorado. She came to the U.S. to attend college in Kansas where she met her late husband, Gary. After spending time in the Midwest with wonderful people, she decided the U.S. was going to be her home and obtained citizenship. Bea and Gary spent a few years in Lawrence, Kansas and Rolling Meadows, Illinois before moving to Allentown where she spent the last 30 years.
Bea worked for many years in the English department at Mercer County Community College, during which time she earned a PHD.
She was known for her passion for healthy foods and living which kept her healthy and happy until almost the end. She loved her garden and the wild plants, flowers and animals that roamed the back yard and could make anything grow. Bea was surrounded by good neighbors and friends in the Allentown Villagers and several organizations she was part of such as the library and a Tai Chi group.
She was very concerned about the environment and global warming as well as having green spaces for people to enjoy. Because of this instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Sierra club in her name.
A remembrance service and celebration of life will be held at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown on Friday March 11th from 5pm to 7pm.
Read MoreMy sincerest condolences. I worked with Bea at the MCCC tutoring center and helped build it during a transitional phase. She was a key influence for me when I was trying to decide what major to follow and encouraged me to puruse English education. She will be missed and remembered.
Alex Ethier
May 27, 2024 | School
I was Bea’s last office-mate at Mercer County Community College, and I am devastated at her passing. Earlier this year we spoke on the phone for a lengthy time, so I am glad for that. We shared many interests in healthy living and gardening. She was very guarded about her childhood in Argentina, and her opinions about politics, so I was glad when she opened up to me. She didn’t like talking on the phone, so we were looking forward to a garden visit this summer. When I moved to the Allentown...
Richard Portrr
April 11, 2022 | Hamilton, NJ | Coworker
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother and grandmother. We knew Bea though the Villagers. She was a active and dedicated Villager and Red Hatter. She will be truly missed.
Mary Lou Gower
Elizabeth Dey
Elizabeth Dey
March 13, 2022 | NJ, NJ
Bea was my colleague and friend from Mercer County Community College. A favorite of the students, she was a kind and excellent English professor who was an inspiration to all. She will certainly be missed but her contribution to the college will live on. Sincere condolences to Bea’s family.
Susanne Kotch
March 08, 2022 | Hamilton, NJ | Coworker
Bea will be missed by me and the Villagers of Allentown. She she was my proofreader of the Villagers booklet and made sure I dotted my I’s and crossed my t’s. She always had innovative ideas for a better organization. She will be missed.
Myrtle Dunster
March 08, 2022 | Allentown, NJ | Friend
To: Kerrie and Morgan So sorry to hear about your Mother she was a very fine lady and I will miss seeing her around the neighborhood
Brenda Smith
March 08, 2022 | Allentown, NJ | Neighbor
Condolences to her family members. She was such a very nice woman. I was a student at Mercer and got to know her.
May God bless the family during this extremely difficult time of bereavement.
Linda Gibbs
March 08, 2022 | Trenton, NJ | Student
Morgan & Kerrie,
Bea was always so kind to me when we were growing up. What a wonderful, caring person Bea was! Her concern for the environment, her lifelong curiosity and amazing intellect, and her gentle patience are all hallmarks of a life extraordinarily lived. Thinking of you both My deepest sympathies.
Rob Schmitt
March 07, 2022 | ALLENTOWN, NJ | Friend
Kerrie,
My sympathies to you, your family and friends on the death of your Mom.
Sending love and hugs.
Linda Brown
March 06, 2022 | Formerly Allentown, FL
