The Angela René Pessina Foundation Fund

Angela René Pessina was born April 21, 1983 in Allentown, PA, and passed away October 28, 2012 at twenty-nine years of age as a result of injuries sustained in an auto accident.  She is the oldest daughter of Michele and Michael Pessina and a sister to Alison, who was born in 1986 and is an accountant in Philadelphia, PA.

Angela attended Parkland schools and graduated from Parkland High School in 2001.  She attended the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Spanish.  During Angela’s second semester of her junior year, she studied in Alicante, Spain, as part of the University Center for International Studies – Study Abroad Program.  Following graduation, Angela attended Kutztown University where she received her PA Teaching Certification in 2007. In September 2007, Angela began her teaching career at Pen Argyl High School teaching high school Spanish.

During her life, Angela was actively involved in many worthwhile activities and programs where her passion for children and teaching would be realized with her boundless enthusiasm and energy.  She was an active member in St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church Sunday School, youth group and vacation Bible school.  She played field hockey at Springhouse Junior High School and softball with South Parkland; she attended Bear Creek Camp for nine years as a camper and then spent four years as a counselor.  Angela was also a certified Zumba instructor.

Her time at Pen Argyl High School was very active.  She co-founded the Recycling Club and participated in many extracurricular activities including mentoring
Pen Argyl’s Chinese exchange teacher, attending numerous sporting events to support the students and participating in many fundraising events.  She was also a young philanthropist as an active donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Following the tragic accident, a Spanish scholarship was established in Angela’s name at Pen Argyl High School – The Angela René Pessina Spanish Scholarship – for a deserving student who studied high school Spanish and will be attending college.  Pen Argyl High School will award Angela’s Spanish Scholarship for the next 30 years.

Through the recommendation of current Lehigh Valley Community Foundation fundholders and the family’s legal counsel, the Pessina family decided to establish The Angela René Pessina Foundation Fund with the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.  This donor advised fund will allow Angela’s name to live on in perpetuity and help others in the areas of education and welfare of children.

Michele and Michael Pessina said, “Our dearest Angela was always a passionate supporter for the underdog and gave to others each and every day as a caring friend, teacher and mentor.  She will always be loved and remembered by the many people she touched.”

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