Hildegarde Buratti

1922 - 2018

Hildegarde Mahala Singles Buratti, 96, retired Executive Director of the Bethlehem YWCA, died on May 27th at her home in Upper Saucon Township, Bethlehem. She was the loving wife of the late Ralph J. Buratti. Born on May 1, 1922 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Charles B. Singles, Sr., and Hildegard Schumacher Singles. She was a graduate of Girls' High School in Philadelphia, where she excelled in gymnastics, and of the University of Wisconsin. She moved to Bethlehem after her husband was hired at Bethlehem Steel. She taught at the Allentown YWCA prior to being named the Executive Director of the Bethlehem YWCA in 1973. She retired in 1985. Mrs. Buratti was an avid skier, sailor, knitter, quilter, seamstress, and ballroom dancer. She was loved and will be missed. The family is thankful to her end-of-life caregivers provided by Right at Home: Donna Clapper, Kenda Knitter, and Carol Markley. Survivors: Son, Bruce Buratti and wife Patricia; daughters Dr. Bonnie J. Buratti and husband Dr. Kai S. Lam of Altadena, Calif., and Brenda A. Buratti and husband Steve Hillinger of Hillsboro, Ore; grandchildren Jackson Buratti; Nathan, Reuben, and Aaron Buratti Lam; and Sierra Buratti Hillinger. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charles B. Singles, Jr., USNR QM3C. Services: 11:00 AM Friday June 1 at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem with a reception to follow in the church. There are no calling hours. The Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden St., Bethlehem is in charge of arrangements. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, to the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, or to the Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2024 Lehigh St. Allentown, PA 18103, or to a charity of your choice.