Brenda Bortz

Brenda M. Bortz, 83, of Allentown, PA, passed away onThursday, June 29, at the Phoebe Rehab unit after a short illness.Raised in Allentown, she was a daughter of H. Donald and AnnaM. Bortz (Marshall).Brenda graduated with a degree in English literature fromCornell University and went on to pursue a master's degree inPhiladelphia at the University of Pennsylvania. While inPhiladelphia, she worked as a writer and researcher at Lippincottpublishing company.Brenda had a desire to experience the world, and after around-the-world trip with her sister, Nancy, she traveled toJapan as an English instructor and remained for two years. Shefell in love with the culture and that love profoundly influencedher life.Back in the states, Brenda worked as a writer and editor atRodale Press for a number of years before becoming a freelancewriter of grants and other enterprises for many years.Survivors: Brenda is survived by cousins, many dearfriends, a niece, and a grandniece. Her sister, Nancy B. Machlan,predeceased her in 1986.Honoring Brenda's wishes, she is to be buried at GreenMeadow, a natural burial site at Fountain Hill Cemetery. Thereare no formal services.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BreastCancer Research Foundation or to the breast cancer charity ofyour choice. Also to Planned Parenthood or to Cay Galgon LifeHouse, Broad Street, in Bethlehem, PA, which provides shelterand support for pregnant women who are homeless(https://caygalgonlifehouse.org).