Frances E. Gestl

Frances E. Gestl, 89, of Bethlehem, passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022. She was the beloved wife of Russell R. Gestl with whom she shared over 67 years of loving marriage. Born on May 27, 1932 in Bethlehem she was the daughter of the late John and Agnes (Kostelnik) Ender.

Frances started life on the family farm in Hellertown, enjoyed her early years there and started her schooling in a one room schoolhouse. When her father started work at Bethlehem Steel, he moved the family to Bethlehem where she attended Holy Ghost Grade School and Allentown Central Catholic High School. After graduation Frances was employed at Bethlehem Steel when she met Russ, the love of her life. They married at Holy Ghost Church where they were lifelong members, and their children also attended school. Frances, a loving wife, and mother, was a caring homemaker and caretaker always putting her family first. Frances and Russ always enjoyed trips to the casino with friends, and watching baseball games together. She was an avid Phillies fan. Frances considered reading, gardening, and baking as her favorite hobbies. But above all, she cherished her time spent with her family and friends. From family reunions to neighborhood gatherings, she was the social butterfly who loved people and bringing them together.

Survivors: Frances will be lovingly remembered by her husband Russell; children, Russell Gestl and wife Gail, John Gestl and wife Coleen, Joseph Gestl and wife Sandra, Mary Agnes “Meg” Todd and husband Frank, Regina “Gigi” Gestl, Robin Garcia and husband Ivo; grandchildren, Derek Gestl, Amanda Gestl (Alec Jenkins), Jessica Gestl, Cristine Gosch (Donnie), John Russell Gestl, Paul Gestl, Alia Gestl, Michele Todd, Andrew Todd (Genova), Colette Todd, Aijah Garcia, Atticus Garcia, Brianna Garcia, Justin Garcia; great grandchildren, Harleigh and Jude Gosch, Stella and Beau Todd, Jamison and Leighanna Todd, and Brader Jenkins. She was predeceased by brother, John Ender and sister, Catherine Lucente.

Services: A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. in Holy Ghost Church, 417 Carlton Ave, Bethlehem. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem. Interment will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Frances’s memory to Holy Ghost Church or The Dementia Society of America.

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