Susan E. Farber

Susan Elizabeth "Sue" Bachman Farber, 76, of Bethlehem, PA, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025.

Born and raised in Allentown, PA, Sue graduated from William Allen High School in 1966 and from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in 1969. Following graduation, she worked in critical care units at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH.

Upon her return to the Lehigh Valley, Sue was hired to develop the plan to open the first Cardiac Care Unit when Allentown Sacred Heart Hospital, now Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, opened in 1974. She remained the unit's manager until taking a sabbatical from nursing. Upon her return to the field, Sue served as a multi-state staff development and nurse educator for Fresenius Kidney Care, supporting dialysis centers across several states, before leaving the profession to raise her young family.

Sue was a devoted mother and actively involved in her children's lives. She served in the Elementary School PTA and could often be found cheering proudly at sporting events. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Nursery School Board and an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem, where she later served as clerk of session.

Known for her generosity and thoughtfulness, Sue frequently organized meal trains for neighbors and church members as needs arose. She was an avid Eagles and Phillies fan, enjoyed trivia and gardening, and often hosted family and friends in her backyard. She was accomplished in needlepoint and later took up watercolor painting.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, H. Roger Farber, who passed away earlier this year, and by her parents, Maryann N. (Clauser) Bachman and Donald N. Bachman.

She is survived by her daughter, Katie Farber and husband Massimiliano Marzo of Manhattan, NY; son, Douglas Farber and wife Angela Gruber of Emmaus, PA; granddaughter, June Farber; and sisters Nancy Bachman of Norfolk, VA, Linda Dean of Valley, AL, and Patricia B. Cury and Joseph Siska of Kunkletown, PA.

A calling hour preceding the memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Bethlehem on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 2 p.m. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, designated to the Stroke Rehabilitation Program, at 610-778-1075, or to The Baum School of Art at 610-433-0032 or shannon@baumschool.org.

Sue will be remembered for her dedication to caring for others, her quiet leadership, her devotion to family, and the warmth she extended to all who knew her.