Erma L. Chuck

Erma L. Chuck, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill. She was the wife of the late William F. Chuck, who passed away on January 1, 1984.
She was born on February 7th, 1927, in South Bethlehem.
Erma was one of 14 children of the late Janos and Ana (Skerlak) Kroboth. Erma, along with her siblings, grew up on a beautiful farm in rural Hellertown. It was her childhood here that fostered and instilled in her a lifelong love for cherished family values, nature, animals, and the outdoors. This era also gave rise to the older style country music and singers that she would be drawn to and enjoy the rest of her life.
Erma attended a one room schoolhouse for her elementary years. She went on to attend and graduate from Hellertown High School.
Like many girls do no matter what decade, during her teenage years, she became a big fan of Western movies, actors and singers. She acquired the nickname of "Tex" from this time. However, one star was head and shoulders above the rest for her, the legendary Gene Autry.
At one point, Erma got to make an exciting, fun-filled trip to New York City to see and to actually meet her super star hero when he performed at Madison Square Garden. After her education was completed, Erma took employment at various companies. However, she met her future husband William and after a courtship they married November 22, 1947.
The greatest career Erma took on was being a wife and Mother. As she did with everything, she dove in with enthusiasim and fun, and became a fantastic Mother to 5 children. She relished being a Mom, and enjoyed every moment. Her bubbly personality and sense of fun made every holiday a time to remember, Christmas and Easter being the most memorable. She was famous for her kiffles. No sooner did she make a batch then they were gone, and all were begging for more. And always, while she was doing everything, she had to have her cup of hot tea. She made Motherhood look easy, but it was a testament to her organizational skills and outlook that all was accomplished and all was taken care of with time to spare for hugs and quiet time with her babies.
Erma's interests varied and spanned a wide range, from reading, crosswords, gardening, arts and crafts, and sewing. She also loved writing letters, and never needed a reason to send out a card on holidays or just because she was thinking of you. She would always have little pictures drawn in them, and her penmanship itself was a form of art, she had the most perfect handwriting.
Erma also had a love for shopping, and could often be found seeking out the best deals and treasures. Later on, she became a regular at Musikfest, where she reveled in the music and danced with joy in the polka tent, sharing her spirit and love for life with all around her. Also, Erma's faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Bethlehem, she served as the church sexton, and was an enthusiastic youth leader. Her commitment to her faith and community was evident in the countless hours she devoted to church activities and events.
There is no way to put into words here what an amazing person Erma was. She never met a stranger. She could meet someone she never laid eyes on before, and would have a friend for life in no time. Erma radiated an internal warmth, an energy about her, she was never content to sit still. She was so generous with her time, so caring to all. She would do anything she could for others, along with a hug and smile. Heaven has gained a very special Angel. We hold her close in our hearts- missing her but knowing some day, we will see her beautiful smile again.
Survivors: She will be remembered by her loving children, Maria D. Armstrong and her husband Don of Lubbock, TX, Alan F. Chuck and his wife Shelley of Hellertown, and Anne K. Chuck-Keyser and her husband Thomas of Emmaus. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Alyssha E. Csük of Wassergass, Jared M. Armstrong and his wife Samantha of Lubbock, TX, Cheyenne R. Chuck of Emmaus, and her great-grandchildren, Amelia, Catalina, Asher, Colter, and Henry Armstrong. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sons, William C. Chuck and Gregory J. Chuck, and grandchildren Seth A. Chuck and Derek A. Armstrong.
Services: A viewing will be held on Monday January 5, 2026, from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church, 450 E. Washington St. Bethlehem, PA18017. Her burial will take place at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.
Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Erma's name to the Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem (SSJB), PO Box 1367, Bethlehem, PA 18016 and/or
Farm Aid, 501 Cambridge Street, Third Floor, Cambridge, MA 02141.