Charlotte Bearse

Charlotte Riggs Bearse, 84, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully in St. Luke's Hospice House on October 19, 2016, after spending a loving day at home with her family. She was the wife of Charles I. Bearse Jr. of Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, PA for 63 years. Born in Trenton, NJ, Charlotte was the daughter of the late Ellanor (Macklin) and Harold C. Riggs and grew up in Langhorne Manor, PA. Charlotte was graduated from Moravian College for Women in 1953 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, where she lettered in field hockey for four years and served as the team captain for two. As a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi sorority, she developed many lifelong friendships and met her true love, Charlie, when they hosted a party for the Bethlehem Steel sales loopers. She was noted for her devotion to civic organizations, including the YMCA, Meals on Wheels, Bethlehem Children's Theater, AAUW, Historic Morrisville, and the decorating committee for the Bethlehem Steel Charity Ball. Char enjoyed hosting parties for her friends. Gardening, decorating, and restoring old houses were her true passions. She will be remembered for her jaunts through dusty antique shops with her three daughters and good friend Anaruth. She loved running tag sales with her dear friend Betty, and hosting friends and family at the Avalon beach house. Survivors: Char, as she was familiarly known, is survived by her devoted husband, Charlie, her four children, Deborah B. McLemore, Wendy L. Bianchi, Charles I. Bearse III, and Cynthia B. Gleason. Char also has eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, a sister, Sally R. Adams, two nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by a younger brother, Harold Coleman Riggs, Jr. Services: A celebration of her life followed by burial will be held at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI, and a memorial service will be held at Kirkland Village, on dates to be determined. Contributions: Donations may be made in her name to St. Luke's Hospice House, and mailed to St. Luke's Development Office, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015. Online memorials may be sent to pearsonfh.com