Emily P. Thatcher

Obituary Emily P. Thatcher died peacefully at St. Lukes Hospice on February 10th, 2021 in Bethlehem, PA. She was 91 years old. She is survived by a son, Donald Thatcher of Coopersburg, PA; a sister, Doris Hess of Beaver, PA and four grandchildren, Jill Walker of Columbia, SC, Colby Thatcher of Center Valley, PA, Molly Castillo of Levittown, PA and Jacob Thatcher of Boulder, CO. She is predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, William Thatcher; son, David Thatcher, granddaughter, Sarah Thatcher and brother James Purcell. She was born on September 28th, 1929 to Edward Purcell and Emily Griffith Purcell in Mahanoy City, PA. In 1935, the family moved to Philadelphia when her father got a job with Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). She graduated from Olney High and began working for PECO in Accounts Receivable. Emily met her husband in Quakertown, PA through mutual friends and in 1960 she married and moved to Quakertown, PA where she lived for the next 55 years as a devoted wife and mother. Emily was very active in the Quakertown community. She was a volunteer and officer with the Quakertown Hospital Womens Auxiliary. Past president of the Quakertown Womens Club and the Republican Committee woman for the 4th ward. She was also very involved in her church, the First United Church of Christ. Later on she volunteered with Neidig Elementary School reading with 2nd graders who needed extra attention. She also worked part time for a period with the Bucks County Department of Weights and Measures. Emily also belonged to a Book Club where she socialized with her closest friends in the Quakertown Area. Emily enjoyed local politics and had a great sense of humor. She adored her grandchildren and always made them a priority. She loved spending time with her Book Club friends. She was an excellent cook and spent countless hours on the phone with her sister and closest friend, Doris, sharing recipes, stories and laughing. Graveside services and burial will be held at St. Stephens U. C. C. Cemetery in Perkasie at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be announced at later date. Arrangements in the care of the C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, PA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to First U. C. C. Church 151 S. 4th St. Quakertown PA 18951. Services Private Services