Malissa Davis, the much loved and respected Bethlehem Township commissioner, passed-away unexpectedly Oct. 14.

Davis, who was born in Texas, spent 25 years working at Foster Wheeler, as a cost manager and cost estimator. She was also fond of the arts, having been a ballet dancer in her younger days.

A two-time cancer survivor, Davis’ obituary states that she took the time to drive cancer patients to their appointments, if need be.

“She got me involved in politics,” an emotional John Merhoitten told those present at the Oct. 17 Bethlehem Township Commissioners’ meeting, as he announced Davis’ passing. He said he was honored to call her a friend.

Commissioner John Gallaguer spoke about how much he will miss his colleague. He noted that “the township will miss her insight as she knew the township well.”

As for Commissioner Jan Beatty, she reflected on how “grateful that I had a chance to work with her.”

According the Bethlehem Township Government and Emergency Facebook Site, a new commissioner-at-large must be appointed within 30 days of Davis’ passing, to finish her term ending in January 2024. Any interested candidate must apply by Nov.4 to Doug Bruce, Township Manager, either by email at dbruce@bethlehemtownship.org or by mail at 4225 Easton Ave., Bethlehem.

A zoning map amendment request for, covering 10 acres of land, for 4900 Freemansburg (also known as Harvey’s Corner) brought a handful of residents to the meeting to voice their continued concerns over the building of a new Wawa at the site.

Concerns about noise and the potential environmental impact of heavy traffic, including tractor trailers, were raised. One resident spoke of security concerns, citing the recent decision by Wawa to close down two of its stores in the Philadelphia region.

The next Bethlehem Township Commissioners’ Board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 7.