Hendrika J. Paci September 28, 1947 - January 10, 2026

Finally at peace, Hendrika J. Paci (“Riekje”, “Henri”, “Rhea”) 78, of Hilltown Township, Bucks County, died at home on January 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with cancer. She was born September 28, 1947, in Doylestown, Bucks County to the late John and Suzanna Zwaan. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Daniel J. Paci, her children, Aleisha, of Perkasie, PA, Alexander, and wife Connie, of Fairfax, VT, and Sarah of Virginia Beach, VA, her brother J. Peter Zwaan, of Simi Valley, CA, and her nephew Nicholas Perea of Hilltown, PA. she was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Andries (“Andy”) Zwaan, and her sister Johanna (“Hanna”) M. Zwaan.

Rhea graduated from Central Bucks High School in 1965 and attended Waynesburg College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969.  She began a 38-year career as an elementary school teacher, immediately after college, in Sellersville, PA. While working, she earned a Master’s degree in education. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Allentown and was active in many church committees and ministries.

Rhea decided she wanted to raise alpacas after retirement from teaching in 2007. A barn was constructed, four alpacas were acquired and Callowhill Farm began operations. 12 more alpacas were born on the farm, and later four long-hair Angora goats and numerous barn cats joined them. Never straying far from her teaching background, she became the Upper Bucks 4-H coordinator for alpacas in 2015, a position she held, with lots of help from her friends, until September 2025, despite her illness.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation period at Heintzelman-Stephens Funeral Home, 274 N. Krocks Rd. Allentown, PA 18106, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held Friday, January 16, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 3231 Tilghman St., Allentown, PA 18104, at 9:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Beulah Cemetery, Almshouse Rd., Chalfont, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown.