Itie Velds Ytsma

Itie Velds Ytsma, 86, formerly of 1401 Clifton Avenue, Bethlehem, passed away January 3, 2018, while in the care of Lehigh Valley Hospice at Cedar Crest Hospital. She was the wife of Bill Ytsma, with whom she shared over 62 years of loving marriage. Born in Batavia (now Jakarta) Indonesia, she was a daughter of Dr. Murk Velds and Willy deGraaff. During the second World War, Itie and her family were interned in Japanese concentration camps under extreme harsh conditions. After the war, Itie obtained a physical therapy and massage degree in the Netherlands. She worked for the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit and the former United Cerebral Palsy.

Survivors: In addition to her husband Bill; sons Pieter Ytsma of Boise, Idaho, Powell Ytsma and wife Kathy of Houston, TX; daughters Donita Marze and husband Andrew of Allentown; daughter-in-law Judy Parr, widow of Patrick Ytsma of Bethlehem; 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In addition to her son Patrick, Itie was predeceased by her siblings Mijke and Bob.

Service: A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday January 7, 2018 at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street Bethlehem, PA 18018, where the family will receive relatives and friends from 1:00 PM until time of service. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bethlehem Public Library, 11 W. Church St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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Calling Hours

JAN 7. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (EST)

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home
500 Linden Street
Bethlehem, PA, 18018

Celebration of Life

JAN 7. 2:00 PM (EST)

Cantelmi Long Funeral Home
500 Linden Street
Bethlehem, PA, 18018

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.