Carole L. Ackerman

Carole L. Ackerman, 78, of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 14, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Rickey R. Ackerman, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary on October 2nd. Born in Bethlehem on August 28, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Carrie (Strauss) Walker. Carole dedicated 32 years to teaching children, from Fountain Hill Elementary School in the Bethlehem Area School District and began teaching at Liberty Elementary School in the Southern Lehigh School District. Her love for education and her students left a lasting impact on countless young lives. A devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church, Hellertown, and a National Sorority, Carole's life revolved around her family and her profession. She was an exceptional cook who delighted in sharing her meals, a passionate reader, and the self-appointed "Uber driver" for her family and friends-always willing to lend a hand and share her time. She is survived by her loving husband Rick; her children: Heather E. Ackerman of Allentown and Steven W. Ackerman of Bethlehem; her sister: Dora J. (Dennis) Nemeth of Lewis, DE; and her cherished grandchildren: Jared S. Whitehorn, Ethan W. Ackerman, and Zachary S. Ackerman. Family and friends are invited to a visitation period from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, 69 Main Street, Hellertown, PA. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery of Hellertown. A funeral repast will be held immediately following the graveside service at The Carriage House at Heintzelmans. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Hellertown. Online expressions of sympathy can be shared at www.heintzelmancares.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Public Library, 11 West Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 or a charity of one's choosing for Children's literacy. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Carole L. Ackerman, please click here to visit our sympathy store.