Easton District Judge Gay Elwell Dies
Longtime district judge and former newspaper reporter found dead in her home.
Longtime Easton District Judge Gay Elwell was found dead Monday at her home in the city. She was 54.
County Coroner Zach Lysek said Elwell died at home on Monday.
Elwell had served as distrist judge in downtown Easton since 1996. Prior to that, she had worked for several years as a reporter in The Morning Call's bureau in the city, and was a familiar face at the Northampton County courthouse, court Administrator James Onembo said.
"Her understanding of the justice system made her a natural for the position," he said. "She was compassionate, but she could be tough."
Elwell's office at 400 Northampton St. was closed Monday afternoon, although workers for other local district courts came to pay their respects.
"Extremely saddened to learn of District Judge Gay Elwell's passing," Easton City Councilman Jeffrey Warren wrote on Twitter. "An extremely dedicated public servant. My prayers are with her family."
Elwell had been moved into her office a little under a year ago. Prior to that, her court had been in Centre Square.
Onembo said the county's senior district judges will take turns as judge for her district -- which includes downtown Easton and College Hill -- until a replacement is chosen.
Timothy Hare
5:52 pm on Monday, December 3, 2012
RIP Gay, I'm stunned with sadness. Her urgent appeal for a donor to save my twin-sister resulted in a donor being found in time. I'll always remember Gay's unconditional kindness. Our sincere condolences to her husband Karl Stirner and family.
Lorraina J Telepo
9:02 pm on Monday, December 3, 2012
So sad, my prayers and thoughts are with her family, I sure hope they find her brother now for family needs family, rip Gay
angela tamayo
10:08 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
I went before justice gay elwell twice once as a victim and once as a defendant, and in both cases i found her to be fair and compassionate. The justice system is going to be at a loss without her. Rip Gay...
Dorene Elwell
10:53 pm on Tuesday, December 4, 2012
this is the hardest thing her mother who is still living had to go thru jonathon gays brother was missing then found gone now gay is gone they are together another sister had breast cancer my poor aunt wanda (there mother) we as the family will have a very special get together in honor or Gay R.I.P. we love you and will miss you dearly Thank you to those who commented on this article so greatly appreciated!!!!