Christine Gaye Bartleson, 66, of Bethlehem, died July 11, 2026. Born in East Stroudsburg, she was the daughter of Jennie Shafer Snyder and Terry Bartleson, and the wife of Charles Lentz.

She earned a bachelor’s degree at University of North Carolina Greensboro and was an urban planner for many years.

She was an active and passionate member of the Bethlehem CO-OP Market and a devoted advocate for animal welfare, supporting animal shelters and opening her home to adopted dogs. She was also an avid horseback rider and hiker.

She was a devout Buddhist Zen practitioner and volunteer for the Great Tree Zen Women’s Center, a residential practice center for women near Ashville, N.C.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by; sisters Shelley Silfies and Stephanie Diecidue; and her stepmother, Edith Bartleson.

Contributions may be made to Lehigh Valley Humane Society, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103.

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home.