Valerie A. Laponuke, 68, of Bethlehem, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Fountain Hill Dec. 24, 1956 to the late Burton C. and Patricia L. (Santo) Deichman.

She was a hairdresser at numerous Holiday Hair locations, from which she retired after 50 years due to illness.

She was an avid collector, finding delight in her extensive collections of turtles, frogs, snowmen and koala bears. Valerie was a proud judge for the former VICA Olympics, now Skills USA, for the Bethlehem Area Vo-tech for many years.

She is survived by her son, Nathan J. and his wife Deann R. Laponuke of Bethlehem, sister: Rhonda L. and her husband Glenn E. Fenicle, Jr. of Bethlehem; brother: Charles, W., II and his wife Karen Deichman of Bath; three grandchildren: Addison C., Avery N., and Holden J. Laponuke.

Online condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com.

Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org