Mrs. Paulette A. James

Paulette A. “Cooky” (DeLong) James, 76, of Topton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 in Willowbrook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Kutztown. She was the widow of Lance E. James who died on April 9, 2014, and whom she married on September 23, 1967.

Born in Lyon Station, PA, Paulette was a daughter of the late Elwood F. and Pauline R. (Haring) DeLong, and was a 1964 graduate of Brandywine Heights High School, Topton. Cooky continued her education by attending and graduating from Allentown Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse for her entire career, beginning at The Lutheran Home at Topton for 22 years and later, Valley Gastroenterologists, Allentown, for 19 years until her retirement in 2008.

Cooky was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Topton, and in her younger years, a local card club. She was an animal lover and avid gardener who enjoyed sunsets, chocolate, murder mysteries, ice cream, and the color purple. Above all, Cooky was a devoted caregiver and supporter of her family.

She is survived by her four children, Holly B. James, Lititz, Hope M. (James), wife of Joseph Kessler, Blandon, Rachel D. (James), wife of Stephen Stonaha, Reading, and L. Eric, II, husband of Jennifer (Karlin) James, Gilbert, MN; eight grandchildren, Kayla A. Distasio, Frankie C. Distasio, Sal Distasio, Nick M., husband of Madison (Ochs) Distasio, Natalia M. Distasio, fiancé of Cody Sander, Marlana J. Kessler, Arthur J. Stonaha, and Zachary R. Johnson.

Along with her husband and parents, Cooky was predeceased by her two brothers, Nelson DeLong and Elliott DeLong.

Graveside services and burial in Lyons Cemetery will be held privately by her family.

The family requests contributions be made in Cooky’s memory to Red Creek Wildlife Center, 300 Moonhill Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, in honor of her love for animals.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Topton and Kutztown, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com .