After two valiant and successful struggles with breast cancer, Maureen Wyant Bechtel, age 80, of Wescosville, Pa. and Fort Meyers, Fla., passed away from intestinal cancer on June 23 at home in Wescosville. Born in Easton, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Edward Philip and Geraldine (Parliman) Wyant. She met her husband, Larry Bechtel, at a Notre Dame High School dance. They were married for 57 years last October. After graduating from Phillipsburg High School (1962), Maureen attended Glassboro College (Rowan University.) She graduated in 1966 with a B.A. in Education.

In a TV ad, a retired Navy Admiral notes "the hardest job in the Navy is being a Navy wife…". Maureen filled this role with zest. At home in New London, Conn. while Larry was submerged in the North Atlantic Ocean, Maureen took college courses, substitute taught, and prepared for the birth of their firstborn while Larry was isolated away at sea with only four 10-word messages in a one-way communication to the submarine.

After Navy life, Maureen, Larry, and baby, Laurie, moved to the Lehigh Valley where Larry worked for Air Products and Maureen initially was a stay-at-home mother for their growing family. After a brief two-year detour to Newark, Ohio for work, the family returned to the Valley. Her three children were her world, and she was always there to guide, love, and support them along the way. Every Christmas, family-get together, sporting event, achievement, and life milestone is a cherished memory which remains inseparable from the warm memories of their mother.

When their youngest, Chris, went to school, so did Maureen. She earned her master's degree in Reading from Kutztown University. A passionate and dedicated teacher, she spent 25 years at Brandywine School District (mainly at Longswamp Elementary) as a Reading Specialist and second grade teacher.  Maureen retired in 2009, but passed on the importance of education and reading to both her children and grandchildren.

Retirement was centered on family, travel, socializing, Penn State football, summer vacations at Smith Mountain Lake (Va.), and golf. Maureen never stood in a line or took a walk without starting a conversation with a stranger (even on their European trips). Larry and Maureen were avid golfers and member of Brookside Country Club (Allentown) and Heritage Palms Country Club (Fort Myers). She was so popular at Heritage Palms that, for years, Larry was known as "Maureen's Husband!" She also enjoyed shopping with and for the grandchildren and cheering them on at their sporting events

Survivors: Husband; children; Lauren, wife of John M. Moore, of York, Pa., Scott L. and his wife, Brigid, of Emmaus, Pa., Christopher E. and his wife, Jennifer, of Pottstown, Pa.; Maureen was Nina to grandchildren Connor and Madison Moore; Reilly, Reiken and Erin Bechtel; and Max, Alex and Gretchen Bechtel. A brother, James Wyant, and his wife, Debbie, of Easton, Pa. Maureen was predeceased by her parents and brother, Eddie Wyant.

Services: Services will be private for the immediate family. A celebration of Maureen's life will be held at a date to be determined.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers please contribute to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choosing in Maureen's memory. Arrangements are provided by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.