In honor of Older Americans Month, 15 Lehigh County residents were recognized May 15 at the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services' 13th annual tribute to Unsung Heroes.

This tribute honors older adults in the Valley who have exhibited exceptional generosity with their time and talents to enrich the lives of others in the community.

Some of the honorees at the tribute included Margaret Teitsworth, a resident of Phoebe Terrace, Allentown, Dean Cunfer of Slatington and Paul Barna of Coplay.

Teitsworth, 91, received the award for her work as an Abider volunteer and spiritual leader at Phoebe Ministries.

As an Abider, Teits-worth sits at the bedside of a dying person, reads scriptures or poems, offers prayers, plays soft music or just holds the person's hand.

"It is a privilege to have been an Abider volunteer at Phoebe Home," Teistworth told The Press at the tribute. "It is a joy to help people make the final step to their next life, relaxed and unafraid.

"It brought great joy to my life. It has been a passion for me for many years."

Teitsworth said she has worked in the field of death and dying for 30 years, since she retired at age 61.

Cunfer, known as "Chubby," also spoke with The Press.

"I was thrilled to win this honor," Cunfer said. "I did not expect it."

After graduating from Slatington High School, Cunfer enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he became a first class quartermaster.

Released from active duty in 1955, he enrolled for three years at the Thaddeus Stevens Trade School, Lancaster.

In June 1958, he graduated as a master carpenter.

Cunfer's carpenter skills have been used to repair various items at his church, St. John's Lutheran Church.

He drove the Lehigh County Medical Van, providing transportation for residents in the Slatington area to medical appointments and dialysis treatments, for more than 10 years .

For the past 12 years, he has delivered meals to seniors with Lehigh Meals on Wheels.

Barna, was also honored for his dedication to the medical field and starting Northern Valley Ambulance Corps, Ormrod.

As a first aid and EMT instructor, Barna has trained many first responders in the Valley.

He has served as president, vice president and treasurer of the ambulance corps.

Barna helped introduce MedEvac and paramedic services to the area.

He was also honored for using his tractor to help clear the Ironton Rail Trail in its inception.

Today, at the young age of 77 and battling Parkinson's disease, Barna on occasion still goes out and removes twigs and branches from the trail.

Barna commented on receiving the Unsung Heroes award.

"It is a great opportunity and honor," he said.

Prior to recipients and guests enjoying cake and punch in the lobby of the Government Center, Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Supervisor Ann M. O'Keefe closed the tribute by congratulating the 15 honorees.