Vera (Ressetar) Bortniak

        Vera (Ressetar) Bortniak, 90, of Shillington, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, in Reading Hospital.  Born in Olyphant, Lackawanna County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Right Rev. Dimitri J. and Margaret (Tomcho) Ressetar.  She was the widow of Stephen P. “Ifko” Bortniak, who passed in 1992.  They celebrated 31 years of marriage together. 

        Vera graduated from Coaldale High School and the Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing.  She last worked as a Registered Nurse at Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital, Allentown. 

        Vera was a faithful member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Bethlehem, and St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, Shillington.  She was a choir member, and a member of the Ladies Altar Society and of the Federated Orthodox Christians of America (FOCA).

        A gentle soul with a quiet strength, Vera was known for her deep love of stories, whether found between the pages of a favorite book, or flickering across the screen in a classic black & white film.  Her love for literature and film was matched only by the kindness and joy she brought to those around her.  Vera loved talking with her friends and reveled in the forgotten art of writing letters.  She was also a huge fan of “her” Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. 

        Vera is survived by two daughters: Stephanie, wife of Fr. John Onofrey, Shillington, and Suzanna Bortniak, Texas, as well as her sister, Anne Boyko, Florida.  She also cherished time with her grandchildren, Rev. Deacon Daniel Valentine, husband of Tabitha, and Xenia Troy, wife of John, along with three great grandchildren, John, Dustin and Annalise.  She was predeceased by two brothers:  Mitred Archpriest Daniel Ressetar and Professor John Ressetar.

        Funeral services for Vera will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 11:00am in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 980 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem, PA, with Archpriest Nikolai Breckenridge presiding.  A visitation will be held in the church from 9:00-11:00am.  Burial will follow in Union Cemetery of Hellertown.  In lieu of flowers, please honor Vera by making a contribution to St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church at the address above.  Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Avenue, Shillington, PA, is honored to assist Vera’s family with her services. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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