Michelle A. Montgomery, 50, of Brooklyn, New York, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on January 29, 2025 at Calvary Hospital Hospice in Brooklyn after a four-year battle with osteosarcoma. A loving vigil was kept by her sisters and friends.


Michelle was great fun, generous of heart, dedicated to public health and community, witty, wise, adventurous, and kind. She is survived by her parents James and Nancy Montgomery of Hershey, PA; sister Joan Halford (Shawn Halford) of Needham, MA; sister Denise Montgomery (David Urso) of San Diego, CA; and her nieces and nephews: Gabriel Halford, Rose Halford, Olivia Urso, and Barrett Urso. Michelle had an enormous circle of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors whose lives she touched and forever changed.
Born on September 22, 1974 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Michelle’s early childhood was spent in Bethlehem and nearby Lower Nazareth. In 1980, she moved with her family to Strongsville, OH.


In 1985, Michelle and her family moved to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Hershey High School as class valedictorian. Michelle was part of the Productions Staff and co-editor of the Hershey Broadcaster school newspaper. It was during these years that she developed a love of reading and music.


Following high school graduation in 1992, Michelle entered the University Scholars Program at Pennsylvania State University, earning degrees with honors in Psychology and English in 1996. Her love of live music performances that began in high school expanded in college, and she and her friends attended many concerts together. Michelle remained close with her college friends throughout her life. Following graduation from college, Michelle worked in a residential facility for young people experiencing mental health challenges.


In 1997, Michelle moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in nonfiction writing. During her time at Columbia, Michelle worked at the Columbia University Oral History Research Office on a project documenting the voices and experiences of doctors who cared for patients during the early years of the AIDS crisis. The project culminated in the 2002 book AIDS Doctors: Voices from the Epidemic. She was also an editorial board member of Columbia: A Journal of Literature and Art. During her time at Columbia, Michelle fell in love with New York City and made more friendships she cherished.
Following graduation from Columbia in 1999, Michelle moved to Brooklyn, first to Park Slope,then to Ditmas Park. The borough became her adopted home for 26 years: She loved the energy, the people, its quirky shops, farmer’s markets, lively restaurants, Prospect Park, and the endless music, art, and culture.
In 2000, Michelle joined the staff of CAMBA, a social services organization based in Flatbush in Brooklyn. She brought her creativity, dedication, and talents to work in public health and disease prevention, where she was a program and evaluation manager. Over her nearly 25 years with CAMBA, the organization became another longstanding Brooklyn home for her. Michelle’s work at CAMBA and her relationships with her colleagues meant a great deal to her.
While working full-time at CAMBA,Michelle earned a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics from Hunter College at The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy in 2012. She co-authored three research publications based on research she conducted with professors and colleagues from CUNY.
Michelle purchased an apartment in a beautiful building in Ditmas Park in 2019. There she became involved in the coop board, planted flowers and trees with the gardening committee, and made dear friends.
Together with family and friends, Michelle traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Some of her favorite destinations included Amsterdam; Hawaii; Squam Lake, New Hampshire; London; and Turks and Caicos.
Michelle loved 90s British bands, KEXP radio of Seattle, dining out with friends, autumn, the color orange, The Hunt column every Thursday in the New York Times, tai chi, real estate television, the family dogs, the beach, French fries, baking, cooking, and thinking about cooking. She called being an aunt one of the great joys of her life. She considered herself rich in friendship and lived an incredible life with a full heart. Michelle will be dearly missed by the many people who loved her.
There will be a memorial gathering in New York City in the Spring and a private service in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Food Bank NYC, the World Food Program, Doctors Without Borders, the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, KEXP Radio of Seattle, or The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Kathleen Ann Lewis, 92, a life-long resident of Hershey, passed away on February 20, 2025, at the Lebanon Valley Home in Annville.  She was born on July 3, 1932, in Hershey, the daughter of the late Edward Sr. and Dorothy (Rogers) Lewis.

Kathleen attended Derry Township Schools where she participated in chorus and played tenor sax in the band, orchestra, and dance band. After graduating from Hershey High School in 1950, she continued her education at Hershey Junior College and later became a dental assistant at Fort Indiantown Gap.  She loved swimming, excelling in the backstroke in the competitions she entered. In 1952, she accepted a job at the Hershey Women’s Club where she taught swimming and diving. Recognizing the need for female competitive sports, Kathleen established and coached the Hershey Girls’ Aquatic Club, a successful competitive swim team for girls 8 to 16 years old, leading them to meets across south central and southeastern PA.  Beyond guiding their athleticism, Kathleen taught “her girls” important life lessons including discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork, while having fun and developing friendships. Many of her swimmers kept in touch over the years, several visiting her in the last days of her life.

After 10 years of coaching at the Women’s Club, Kathleen turned her attention to earning a degree in Dental Hygiene. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965, thereafter dedicating her entire dental hygiene career to working side-by-side with her sister, Joanne, and her late brother, Dr. Edward B. Lewis, in his dental practice.

Above all, Kathleen’s faith was most important to her. She was a life-long member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and participated in numerous church activities including volunteering for the annual church festivals, traveling to Washington, DC for the March for Life, and singing in the choir for many years.

With the discovery of old family letters in her late mother’s belongings, Kathleen developed a genuine interest in genealogy. Initial conversations with local relatives, visits to graveyards, and sifting through old courthouse documents in her grandparents’ hometown in Lebanon County led her to the identification of relatives back to the 1700’s, both here in the United States and across the ocean to Trowbridge, England.  This connection through her grandfather Rogers not only extended this branch of the family tree back to the 1500’s but also sparked a lifelong friendship with the Rogers family.  Over the years, Kathleen visited the Rogers’ numerous times, also welcoming them and several members of their family to the U.S. The years of research and discovery culminated in Kathleen’s publication of “Family Reunion,” a 364-page book recording all the information she discovered, dedicating her labor of love to her parents with the closing instruction that future generations continue to be recorded.  Because of her discovery of several relatives’ military service, Kathleen was inducted into the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1976 as a direct descendent of a patriot of the Revolutionary War.

Kathleen’s interest in history extended beyond genealogy to a commitment to honoring the history of her hometown, Hershey, PA.  In 1991, she became a founding member of the Hershey Historical Society, serving on the board for more than 20 years, including many as its board president.  Starting in their living room, Kathleen and her sister, Joanne, worked tirelessly to build Society membership to more than 1,800 members, a remarkable number in comparison to similar  organizations. After stepping down from the board in 2011, Kathleen continued to volunteer for the organization.  Her passion for expanding and organizing the Society photo collection led to her developing a much-needed search catalog for the images, a key contribution to the Society’s successful management of its ever-growing photo collection.

Kathleen is survived by her sister, Joanne Lewis Curry, of Hershey, seven nieces and nephews, fourteen great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece. Never having children of her own, Kathleen doted on the extended families of her siblings, loving each of them as her own.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Dr. Edward B. Lewis, Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30AM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey.  The family will begin receiving guests at 10AM.  Interment will follow in the Hershey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to St. Joan of Arc Church or the Hershey-Derry Township Historical Society, 40 Northeast Drive, Hershey, 17033.

He was born May 19, 1936 in Danville, son of the late Helen (Adzema) and Peter J. Mehok Sr.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann  (Petock) Mehok.

Peter was a long-time member of the Hershey Italian Lodge and worked there as General Manager until retiring.  He loved playing Bocce Ball in the Lodge’s League and his team won numerous championships.  He was a former member of St. Joan of Arc, Hershey and was currently a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Madison, AL.  He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He attended Penn State University and was an avid fan.  He had a love for trains and enjoyed baking and cooking, especially his famous nut-rolls that he would hand out to family and friends at Christmas time. He also loved gardening and taking care of the chickens at his son's house.  Pete traveled throughout Europe with his daughter, Valerie, seeing over 11 countries.

Peter is survived by; daughter, Karen (Rick) Headdings, of Hummelstown, PA; son, Peter J. (Amy) Mehok, III of Harvest, AL;  daughter, Deborah  Horn of Madison, AL; daughter, Valerie  ( Michael) Byrnes of Mechanicsburg, PA; brother, William L. Mehok of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Richard (Nicole) Headdings, Shingle Springs, CA, Stephanie (Robert) Dobby, Hummelstown, PA, Bailey (Don) Stephan Harvest, AL, Peter J. Mehok IV,  Harvest, AL, Dave Mehok, Harvest, AL, Nick Horn, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Tyler Horn, Ft. Myers, FL, Miranda Horn, Madison, AL, Grace Byrnes, Mechanicsburg, PA; great-grandchildren: Isla & Abigail Headdings, Russell and Susan Stephan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11AM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey.  The family will begin receiving guests at 10AM.  For those not able to attend, the mass will be livestreamed at: www.stjoanhershey.org/live-stream.html <http://www.stjoanhershey.org/live-stream.html>
Interment will be in the Hershey Cemetery.

In Loving Memory of Clara Rita (Skotek) Hissick Born January 8, 1928
​Clara R. Hissick, 97, of Hershey, peacefully passed away on February 8, 2025 in the Lebanon Valley Home, Annville.

She was born January 8, 1928 in McAdoo, PA, a daughter of the late John and Veronica (Lizka) Skotek. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Daniel J. Hissick; sister, Marion Nolt; brothers, John Skotek, Jr. and Fr. Fredrick Skotek.

Clara Rita (Skotek) Hissick, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left us peacefully on February 8, 2025. Clara lived a remarkable life filled with grace, devotion, and an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Clara was the devoted mother of seven children: Rita, Lillian, Daniel, Robert, Tommy, Donna, and Lorraine.

She was a strong, resilient woman who bravely raised her children after the untimely passing of her husband, Daniel John Hissick, at the age of 38. Clara’s strength, unwavering faith, and selfless devotion to her family were evident in every aspect of her life. She gave of herself freely, always putting the needs of others before her own, and through her love and guidance, she created a home filled with warmth, kindness, and love.

Clara was blessed with 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her gentle spirit and boundless affection. She was proud of each of them and cherished every moment spent with her family. Her passions included sewing, cooking, and serving others. She was an active member of the Legion of Mary and served on the Counsel of Catholic Women.

Clara’s no-nonsense attitude was matched by a heart full of love and faith. She approached life with a deep sense of purpose and lived humbly, always grounded in the love she had for her family, her church, and her community. Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for the legacy Clara leaves behind-the foundation she laid for us and the unending love she gave, and continues to give, through the lives she touched. Her example of faith, resilience, and unconditional love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her. May Clara rest in peace, knowing her life was one of extraordinary love and devotion, and that her family will carry her spirit in their hearts forever.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey on February 14 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00am in the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church 359 West Areba Ave., Hershey, PA 17033 .

Rosemary Butler (nee Lorentson) of Hershey, PA, passed away on January 27, 2025, after complications from a stroke. She was just days shy of 95. She was born in Philadelphia to Anna and Erik Lorentson, the youngest of five children.

After high school she worked in the secretarial pool at an insurance company until she married Vincent Butler. Rosemary and Vince had spied each other on the bus, but first met at a football game. They began to date while he was finishing college at Temple University on the GI Bill. They married in 1949 and continued to live in Philadelphia while Vince went to Temple Law School.

Their honeymoon was an overnight stay at the Schwenksville Inn. Unfortunately, Rosemary’s suitcase got left behind and she had to wear Vince’s clothes. Not only that, but a snowstorm kept servers from getting to work at the inn and Rosemary and Vince filled in to help the innkeepers. Isn’t that romantic?

After Vince graduated law school, they moved to Stroudsburg, PA, where he clerked for the president of the PA Superior Court, Judge Chester Rhodes for a year and they welcomed their first child, Michael. They moved to Allentown, PA, when Vince got a job with the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company (now PP&L) and their second child, Eric, arrived soon after. As years passed, Patricia, then Jean, and then Sue Ellen arrived and their small home became too small. An old Victorian house in Treichlers, PA, that Rosemary named the Hawthorn House became their new home in 1964.

After the children were all in school, Rosemary went back to school, too: first as library aide at Northampton Area Senior High School and then as secretary to the Vice Principal. When Vince accepted a law partnership at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Harrisburg, they moved to Hershey in 1978. In 1981, Vince moved on to president of the Pennsylvania Electric Association until his retirement in 1991. With his position as president, Rosemary was called upon to be a hostess, sometimes a tour guide, and help meet in various business and social situations. She was always welcoming and gracious, well-liked by all. When Vince retired from PEA, his interest in cooking grew exponentially. To keep peace in the kitchen, Vince became the primary cook of the house, and Rosemary got to retire, too.

Rosemary enjoyed playing bridge all her adult life. She was a shrewd player and participated in bridge clubs for many years. She was always up for a round or two of bridge with friends and family.

Rosemary and Vince always took their family on vacation in the summer. In the early years it was to a cabin on the Delaware River; then to a lodge or cabin on Lake Wallenpaupack. As the family grew and their children married, the cabins got bigger. As more grandchildren arrived, the vacation moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina where mansions could fit the entire family. After a few interim years at Rehoboth Beach, Rosemary and daughter Pat discovered Eagles Mere Lake in PA. For the last 26 years, the family has gathered in Eagles Mere, PA, for a week every summer to enjoy each other’s company. That says a lot about the love that Rosemary and Vince imparted on their family.

Rosemary was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Vincent Butler; her parents Anna (nee Flynn) and Erik Lorentson; her brothers Ralph, Robert, and James, and her sister Jean Furphy.

She is survived by sons Michael Butler (Donna) and Eric Butler and daughters Patricia Godlasky (Larry), Jean Butler, and Sue Angelo (Joseph); devoted grandkids Sarah Wascura and Erika, Adam and Kevin Butler; Chase and Max Butler; Annie, Liz and John Godlasky; Joe, Debbie and Diana Alsip; Joe, Vince and Mar Angelo; eighteen loving great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Hershey, PA, at 11:00 am (the Church will open at 10:00 am) on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A luncheon will be held at the Hershey Italian Club immediately following for family and friends.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Compassus Hospice, 2578 Interstate Drive, Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (compassus.com), or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2595 Interstate Drive, Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110 (alz.org).