Elaine E. Charron, 88, formerly of Coopersburg, died Dec. 31, 2022. She was the wife of the late George Charron. Born in Emmaus, she was the daughter of the late Tilghman and Miriam DeLong.

She was a 1952 graduate of Emmaus High School. She studied music and voice at Heidelberg College, Tiffin, Ohio.

She was a member of the former Zion’s Reformed UCC Church, Allentown.

In her early teens, she worked at the Top Diner, Allentown where she met her late husband. Together they co-owned and operated the Lincoln Diner, York for five years and then Barney’s Diner in Emmaus for 28 years until his death in 1993.

Among her accomplishments are volunteer at Lehigh Valley Hospital, past president of the Allentown Music Club 1973-1975, choir member and choir music co-librarian at Cathedral of St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Allentown, former deacon, financial secretary, office assistant, sexton and woman’s guild president of Zion’s Reformed UCC Church, sexton for the Liberty Bell Museum where she also served on the board.

In May of 2010, she was named one of the “Unsung Heroes” by the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services for her volunteer services to Zion’s Church and the Liberty Bell Museum.

Her proudest title of all was playing Pip the Mouse for the Liberty Bell Museum. She played the role for approximately 16 years and loved every single minute. She didn’t have children of her own, so receiving all those children’s hugs and posing for pictures filled her heart with joy.

She was the best baker and in her “spare” time made hundreds of cakes and pies for family and friends. She was an avid seamstress and enjoyed embroidering, working in her yard, planting flowers and watching the deer on her property.

She is survived by sisters, Geraldine Keglovitz and Gloria Reidnauer, Allentown; many nieces; nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Paul DeLong Sr. and Leslie DeLong; sisters, Elizabeth Wieland and Esther Wallace.

Contributions may be made to The Liberty Bell Museum, 622 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 18101.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Jan. 6 in the Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Home, 225 Elm St., Emmaus. A calling hour will proceed the service.