Obituary for Evelyn Gertrude Reiley, R.N.
Evelyn Gertrude Reiley, R.N. passed into the merciful arms of the Savoir Jesus Christ on June 10, 2024.
Evelyn was born on November 28, 1934 to Alphonsus and Elizabeth (McGowan) Burke in New Philadelphia, PA.
Evelyn graduated from Blythe Township High School and the Ashland Hospital School of Nursing. She practiced her vocation as a Registered Nurse at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, for Catholic Charities in Schuylkill County, and in numerous nursing homes in Shrewsbury, MA.
In addition to her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by husband Edmund A. Reiley Jr., and brothers Stanley Burke and Thomas Burke.
She is survived by sister Regina Shearn, Florida; brothers-in-law Robert J. Reiley, Maryknoll, NY, and John D.W. Reiley, Pottsville; sister-in-law Kathleen Reiley, Japan; son Robert A. Reiley and wife Elizabeth, Auburn, PA; daughters, Kathleen Keiler and husband Mark, Shrewsbury, MA, and Cecile Groder and husband Kelby, Salisbury, MA; and grandchildren Matthew, Samuel, Sarah, Audrey, Luke and Daniel, and Benjamin and Daniel; great grandchild Charles; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Evelyn was also a long time and active member of the Church of St. Patrick, Pottsville and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shrewsbury, MA. She served those parishes and parishioners with love and joy as a volunteer in numerous capacities. She was a benefactor of many charitable organizations including DeSales University, the Dioceses of Allentown and Worcester, the Franciscan Order, and Maryknoll Missions.
Evelyn came from a lineage of strong, yet gentle, McGowan women from Furnace Hill, New Philadelphia. She adored her late husband Eddie, loved her family deeply, and was a model wife, mother, and friend. Evelyn was a woman of hospitality, always ready to cook a meal, make a sandwich, or pour a cup of tea whenever someone walked through her front door. She took an interest in the lives of those she encountered, whether grandchild, neighbor, or stranger. She gave her full attention to everyone she met, was always welcoming, and received others on their own terms. She was a homebody but had a heart open to the world.
Evelyn was quite squeamish of dogs and insects, and afraid of the dark. She looked forward to happy hour. She loved to read, pray, write cards and letters, and talk on the phone. She loved shopping. She never held a grudge. She has a weakness for potato chips. She always looked on the bright side of life.
Evelyn had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and his church. She had a strong devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. She lived a fruitful life of humility, compassion, kindness, generosity, and gentleness. She had a peaceful death surrounded by her two daughters. She is now reunited with her husband Eddie, resting peacefully in the hopeful presence of God for eternity.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with family on Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 9:00 AM at the Lord Bixler Funeral Home 1818 Mahantongo St, Pottsville until the processional leaves for the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM that day at the Church of St. Patrick, 319 Mahantongo St, Pottsville with the Rev. Robert J. Reiley, M.M. and Msgr. Edward Zemanik, M. Div., presiding.
Interment will follow at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Hillside, Pottsville.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to be made in Evelyn’s name to the Nativity B.V.M. High School Scholarship Fund, One Lawton’s Hill, Pottsville, PA.
Lord Bixler Funeral Home, Pottsville is in charge of the local arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com
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