Vanderburg Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service Inc.

03/05/2026

Earlier this morning, before many started the work day, our team served in a funeral home offering called the Direct or Immediate burial, which is where no services take place and we prepare and es**rt a loved one to the cemetery for burial. There are many reasons that a family may choose an immediate burial. Some include, a person making a decision in life that they didn’t want a service, family not being local, a personal decision to have burial over cremation, and so many more.

There are religious traditions like Jewish and Muslim burial practices, that may resemble an immediate burial but, include other types of ritual, ceremony and honor exclusive to that faith tradition.

With an immediate burial, a person may be embalmed and dressed, or not; according to the family’s wishes.
The immediate burial is certainly an affordable option when burial is desired. At our funeral home, our immediate burial and graveside service cost is the same-which means that if a family desired to be present and have ceremony at graveside, they could as well. Thanks to the Vanderburg Funeral Home team for serving today in the rain. It’s an honor to serve, always.

(Also, many thanks to the staff at Northampton Memorial Shrine who are in the photos.)

03/04/2026

03/01/2026

Dennis John Herman Sr.

Dennis John Herman Sr.

Dennis John Herman Sr., 71 of Easton passed away on Sunday March 1st, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 7th, 1954, in Newark NJ, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Hambel.

He spent his days serving others, working at a food pantry and helping anyone who crossed his path. He believed in feeding people, in caring for people, in lifting burdens whenever he could. Giving wasn’t something he did — it was who he was.

He was devoted to his friends and family and helped raise generations of children, guiding them with patience, humor, and unwavering support. So many of us grew up stronger because he stood beside us. His love created a foundation we will stand on for the rest of our lives.

He gave his all until his very last breath.

Dennis leaves behind his loving wife, Karen Herman, his sons Daniel, David, and Dennis Jr.

His stepchildren, Shane Yard and Misty Yard; his brother-in-law, Jay Dugan from South Carolina. Dennis leaves behind many loving memories with Zach, Zoe, Tylor, Shaylin, Adelyn, Camryn, and so many more.

Though our hearts are broken today, we carry forward his kindness, his generosity, and his example. The world is better because he was here. We are better because he loved us.

We will miss him every single day, but we will honor him by loving others the way he loved us — fully, selflessly, and without hesitation.

Dennis’ life will be celebrated in a Memorial Service on March 7th 2026 at, 3 pm in the Shiloh Chapel; 201 Brother Thomas Bright Avenue, Easton PA, 18042.

View Dennis John Herman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/28/2026

We are grateful this morning to be at the Historic Second Baptist Church of Bethlehem, serving the family of Mother Carol Shade- a pillar of this church, Bethlehem and the greater Lehigh Valley community. Mother has lived, she has loved and now she rests. She is a reminder of what Paul the Apostle said- “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” God bless your memory Mother Shade.

02/26/2026

Lydia Carter

Lydia Carter, 72 of Easton passed away on February 25th, 2026 at St. Lukes Hospital- Anderson campus. Born June 23rd, 1953 in Baltimore Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Lillian Carter. Private burial will take place at Northampton Memorial Shrine.

View Lydia Carter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/22/2026

Francisco Garcia Ortiz

Francisco Garcia Ortiz, of Easton passed away at home on February 22nd, 2026. Born October 6th, 1961 in Bayamon Puerto Rico, he was the son of the late Angel Garcia Pagan, and the late Carmen Mercedes Ortiz Rivera. Services will be private with the family.

View Francisco Garcia Ortiz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/21/2026

Serving the entire Lehigh Valley and Surrounding Areas.

02/17/2026

Carol Shade

Carol Ann Shade, affectionately known as “Mother Shade,” transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 85. Carol was born on July 25, 1940, in Yonkers, New York, to the late Fred and Bertha Dessesaure. She is lovingly survived by her devoted sons: Daniel (Jacqueline) Shade Jr., James (Renee) Shade, Russell (Vera) Shade Sr., Leon (Beverley) Shade Sr., Gregory Shade Sr., and Deran Shade. She also leaves to cherish her memory her beloved siblings: Gertrude Jones (her husband, Robert Jones Sr., predeceased); Fred Dessesaure (Nancy); Marie Evans (her husband, John Evans Sr., predeceased); James Dessesaure (Barbara); Florence Dessesaure-Hubbard (her husband, Mark Hubbard, predeceased); and Kathy Cromwell (Floyd); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her church family, and a loving community. Carol was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband, Daniel Lee Shade Sr.; her beloved sons, Derrick Shade Sr. and William Shade Sr.; and her beloved grandsons, Jamal Shade and Gregory Shade Jr.

In October 1957, Carol was united in holy matrimony to Daniel Lee Shade Sr., also known as “Duke.” Carol and Duke were married for 35 years. Together they built a life of love, which resulted in eight sons, 32 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Carol received her education through the Yonkers Public School System. She was employed at the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, NY, for eight years before relocating to Bethlehem, PA. She later continued her career with Jefferson Elementary School as a Teacher’s Aide, Aetna Healthcare as a Receptionist and Customer Service Representative, followed by her role as an Employment Specialist with AARP until retirement.

Carol was an amazing woman of God who loved and served the Lord diligently, demonstrating unwavering faith and love throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Yonkers, NY, before moving to Bethlehem, PA, where she became a member of Second Baptist Church in 1994 under the leadership of Pastor Edward A. Thompson. While at Second Baptist, Carol served faithfully as a member of the Usher Board, Senior Choir, Restored Sound Ministry, and Pastor’s Aide. In 1997, she was installed by Pastor Edward Thompson as Chairperson of the Pastor’s Aide, serving with excellence and dedication. Throughout her years at Second Baptist, Carol became affectionately known as “Mother Shade,” a mother to all and a pillar of the church who provided unbiased guidance, love, and steadfast faith.

Carol had a deep love for people, food, joy, and laughter. If you slipped her a piece of chocolate, she would love you forever. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother who also made room in her heart for her church family, whom she loved dearly. She leaves behind a rich legacy through the many lives she touched and those who loved her dearly. Carol’s life was a testament to endurance, family, and love, and she will forever remain in our hearts.

The family of Carol Ann Shade wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Holy Family Manor and St. Luke’s University Health Network—especially the critical care nurses, doctors, and caregivers—who provided excellent care and compassionate attention to Carol and her family.

View Carol Shade's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.