Mary Belforti passed away on December 7, 2024. Mary was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 6,1944 and was the second child of Joseph DeBarbieri and Ada (Nigro) DeBarbieri. The family moved to Bethlehem when Mary was two. She went to Central Catholic High School, Cabrini College where she received a BS in Education and then went on to earn a Master's Degree from Penn State.

While at Cabrini, Mary met Fred Belforti, a student at Villanova University. They became engaged at Mary's graduation and married in 1967. She joyfully started teaching right away, first in Detroit, then in Massachusetts and finally rounded out 25 years at the Churchville Elementary school in Bucks County where she taught kindergarten and second grade. Mary was a beautiful spirit and had a unique talent for knowing what children needed. They all loved her and expressed that admiration. Mary carried that spirit with her every day. A close friend said, "Mary makes a friend every day, no matter where she goes."

Mary is survived by her loving husband Fred, her brother Louis of Scottsdale, AZ and her six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Josette Kane and Denise Payne.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 3219 Santee Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary's name to Lehigh Valley Hospice, Office of Philanthropy, P.O. Box 1883 Allentown, PA 18105.