Louise M. Frankenbach

With great sadness, we share the news that Louise (Teedie) Power Mairs Frankenbach passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026 in Bethlehem PA at the age of 97. Her four loving children were by her side. 

Teedie was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on January 12, 1929, to Louise Ritchie and Robert E. Power. Following the untimely death of her father, her mother married George A. Mairs Jr., and together with her brother, Robert, they became part of the Mairs family, creating an extraordinary blended family rooted in love and lifelong bonds. Teedie attended Summit School and Mount Holyoke College. She later served as the Teen Director at the YWCA in Greenwich, CT and Summit, NJ. 

On June 27, 1953, Teedie married Charles H. Frankenbach, Jr. (d. 2011). They had four wonderful children whom they raised in Westfield, NJ; Nancy McClure (Donald), Susan Frankenbach (Chris), Catherine Frankenbach (Harvey) and Charles H. Frankenbach III (Lauren). Teedie had nine grandchildren; Elisabeth Campos (Rafael), Louisa Lauher (Brennen and Lane Holder), Hannah Kernizan (Jona), Carla Frankenbach, Scott Lauher (Cydney VanDyke), Amber McClure, Heather Hess (Greg), Margaret Frankenbach (William Somers), Henry Frankenbach, three great-grandchildren, and fifteen nieces and nephews, each of whom she adored and loved spending time with. 

Teedie’s life was filled with many places that held special memories for her. Summer vacations were spent at Encampment Forest Association, in Two Harbors, MN. Later, she and Charlie lived at The Forest Lake Club in Hawley, PA. During the years that Teedie lived in New Jersey, she was an active member of Willow Grove Presbyterian Church in Scotch Plains. 

For more than 20 years, Teedie and Charlie made their home at Kirkland Village in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Teedie enjoyed a busy community life and formed many cherished friendships. She remained an avid knitter and reader, while also leading the Kirkland Village Worship Committee. She volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. where she shared her generous spirit and deep faith working in the chaplain’s office.

With the exception of her two dear sister-in-laws, Helen and Dusty Mairs, Teedie was predeceased by her siblings George A. Mairs (Dusty), Nancy Gephart (George), Robert P. Mairs (Helen), Jean McLean (Albert), and Angus Mairs (Marjorie). Teedie lived a life defined by kindness, unwavering devotion to her family, and quiet strength. Her warmth, grace, and complete selflessness touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services:  The family will honor Teedie’s life with a Celebration of Life at Kirkland Village on Saturday, September 12, at 10:30am. Refreshments will be served following the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to James Funeral Home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.