We will miss you, Elizabeth.

We have some very sad news to share.

Last night, Elizabeth Jean Rivera was struck by a car, as she walked across East Broad Street, in Bethlehem. She was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital and died of multiple blunt force injuries.

We're feeling the loss, and are in shock over it. Those of us knew who Liz each had a unique relationship with her. Many of you met her, here at the bakeshop, or out in the community. She had no home, but found places to keep herself safe at night. We started most days together, as she came in daily for tea and conversation. She especially enjoyed our quiche, soup, zucchini bread, and mac and cheese.

She laughed a lot, and she sure did complain about people who asked her too many private questions, but mostly she just wanted to belong to the community. In recent years, she spent most of her time on a bench on Broad Street, where she made crafts to support herself. She wanted to be self-sufficient, she valued her dignity, and I think we all respected that.

We have lots of stories about Elizabeth, and we’ll remember her fondly, as a person in our community.

Rest in peace, dear lady. We will miss you.