Lois Jean Reese

Lois Jean Reese

June 15, 2015

Lois Jean Reese, 82, a resident of the Riverside Health and Rehabilitation Center, Taylor, formerly of resident of West Mountain, died Monday night after a lengthy illness.  She was the wife of Charles “Chick” Reese who was the love of her life and who remained devoted to her until the time of her passing.  The couple was married 60 years on Nov 24, 2014

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late John and Rose Dennis Bird.   She was of the Protestant faith.  Prior to her retirement she had been employed as a custodian at the Abington Heights Middle School. 

Lois loved every holiday, but especially Christmas.  She decorated every room.   She was known to have her tree lit until early March.  She played carols on her organ year round, singing along with her beautiful voice.

Lois loved company.  There was a fresh pot of coffee brewing at all times, and the back door was always open to anyone who happened to stop by the cozy home she loved so much.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Riverside Rehabilitation and Nursing Staff for their kind and compassionate care.  Thank you especially to all of the aides, too numerous to mention, and to nurses Karen, Denise, Art, Alicia and Theresa who treated her with so much respect and love.   Also to Ruth, Mark and LouAnn who have become a part of our family and to Marty McGurrin of the Sacred Heart Path Program of whose warmth and kindness has been a godsend.

Finally to our special cousins and dear friends to whom their love and support made this difficult journey bearable.

Surviving are a daughter Maureen Reese-Jones and her husband Hank of Clarks Summit and Kimberly Reese and her husband Jeff Gensiejewski of Victor, NY; a son Richard Reese and his wife Sharon of Clarks Summit;  sisters Jane Church of New Jersey and Florence Campo of Moscow;  grandchildren Meghan, Amanda, Reagan and Ben; several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by sisters Ellen Bird, Elizabeth Howells and Shirley Lavelle; an infant sister Hilda Bird;  brothers John, Ronald and Robert Bird.

Funeral services and interment will be private in Fairview Memorial Park Chapel, Elmhurst officiated by Rev. Howard Woodruff, pastor of the Elm Park United Methodist Church.

To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.vanstonandjames.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vanston and James Funeral Home and are under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, Funeral Director.

13 Comments

  1. Your Niece Jill

    Aunt Lo Lo,I have so many fond memories of you, an infectious laugh that always had everyone laughing with you. You were always fun and I will forever reflect on the good times we all had when you lived in Jersey. Your endearing phrase to me was “You little bugger” and as I recall it had something to do with me having a smoke or two? I loved being around you during Christmas. We shared the love of decorating and yes,leaving the decor up well past December 25th! I often called you when it would be snowing and you would say “isn’t it BEAUTIFUL!” I am thankful to have had you in my life, and as Bob Hope always said, “Thanks for the Memories.” You have been and always will be missed. In my heart forever, Love, Jill

  2. Paul Church

    Aunt Lois, I will never forget you and all the fun times we had together! You Are special and you leave a hole in my heart, but you leave great memories to fill it! May your journey bring you everlasting peace. Goodbye Peaches, I love you!

  3. Shelly

    Maur, I will always have fond memories of cutting the grass while Aunt Lo watched me from her porch swing and then sharing a “snack” with me when I got finished. I am certain she is up in heaven sipping on a cup of coffee, playing catch up with her brothers and sisters, and belting out that infectious laugh!!! The love and care that you have given your mom was priceless and I know she will be watching over you with much love and pride in her heart… Love and prayers to you, Hank and Meghan ~ XOXOXO

  4. Charlotte (Reese) Hess

    Aunt Lois,
    I love you and Uncle Charles so much, and I have so many wonderful memories of you. The first time I met you was about 60 years ago when Uncle Charles brought you to our house to meet Grandma and Grandpa, my parents and me. I remember my Mom getting me out of bed, having on my little blue bathrobe, and looking through the railings of the stairs at you because I was so shy. You always called me Honey, and I think you called me Honey that night, too. I was very jealous of you as you dated “my” Uncle Charles because he would buy you nice things (especially that dresser set that was in a pink velvet lined case). I wanted that set so badly, but he gave it to you! You are the love of his life! We had so many good times going to New Jersey to visit you. I am so thankful I was able to visit with you the first week of April when I was in Pennsylvania. I am not sure you knew exactly who I was, but you smiled at me and said “I Love You!” I love you back, and you will be in my heart forever! Love you always, Charlotte

  5. Fran Bartocci

    Maur, Hank and Meghan,

    I only knew Aunt Lo for a few years before she got sick, but we had many good times sitting in her kitchen or on the porch drinking coffee and listening to their stories. You were your parent’s rock Maur, and anyone who knows you, knows that is true. Hanks was a true son and was always there to fix whatever needed to be fixed, or just for support, and your mom adored him. And Meghan was the apple of their eye.

    I know first hand how lonely and draining it was for you at times, but you never wavered. One of many things that you should feel good about, is that none of you will ever have any regrets, because you never let either of your parents down, no matter what was on your plate. Your mom might not have been able to express things verbally lately, but the heart knows, and she knew you were there almost every day for the last 4 years.

    I was so happy last week in the hospital when I saw the life actually come back in her, and she lit up like a “Christmas tree” when she saw Meghan. She was laughing with us, and she was actually saying sentences. I think that was her last gift to all of you. That was a very good day.

    We know she is in a much better place, but the ones left behind always suffer the most, and I know it will be hard for you because of your dad, but God will continue to give you the strength like he has these past few years. You are the kind of daughter that any parent would be so blessed to have my friend, and your mom was truly blessed.

    I love you all,
    Franny

  6. Jennifer Burke Wasko

    My times with Aunt Lo were always filled with laughter! I have countless happy memories with her~ camping at the Whipporwill Campground in Lake George, playing canasta at my Grandparents house, going to the Philharmonic, “Sister Slumber Parties” with Aunt Shirl at my Grammy’s house, eating at Cracker Barrel many-a-times, celebrating her birthday at our annual Christmas Crafting Day and sitting around so many different tables just visiting and laughing! Sending love, hugs & prayers to all loved ones during these hard times and lots of love to you my funny & sweet Aunt Lo XO
    Love, Jennifer

  7. Roxanne Bird McLane

    Aunt Lo, a.k.a Newswatch 16, lol! If you wanted to know what was going on in the family you called Aunt Lo! She was fiercely loyal to her family!! So many AWESOME memories; sitting at the bar in her kitchen just talking, her infectious loud laugh, camping, Russell’s Camp family reunions, beach trips, Lake Sheridan…… How lucky we all are to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard. Love you Aunt Lo, give my dad a hug from me.

  8. sandi bird

    Maureen and family, may God’s love and blessings help you thru this most difficult time. I will remember your mother fondly and always that beautiful smile on her face. she was a beautiful person and we will miss her.

  9. Nellie Hendry

    I am very sorry for the loss of your beloved mother and wife.
    Be assured that she is in a better place and that she is finally at peace.
    My deepest condolences,
    Nellie Hendry

  10. Elizabeth Bartels-Bowdre

    So sorry for your loss. Thoughts are prayers are with your family. I remember Lois growing up as a kid. She lived just a few houses up the mountain from us and was always so nice to us every time we saw her.

  11. Carla Campo Zero

    I’m so grateful to have known the love of my Aunt Lo. I’m smiling through my tears remembering her great smile and how she loved to laugh. I can hear that infectious laugh…and I can hear her singing. She’ll always be in my heart. And you are in my heart and prayers, Uncle Chick, Maureen and family. Love you, Carla

  12. Paul Church

    Aunt Lois, it’s me again. I’m so sad I can’t be there for you today, but you know I’ve always been there for you. We’ve had a special bond that I will always remember. Staying up late and writing poems, playing blitz, laughing all the time, giggling in the car wash, your potato salad (always a big hit) and that apple pie!, sending you funny cards and how you loved presents. I thought you were like a sister, aunt and mother all in one. I will miss you till the day we meet again. I thank God for Maureen and Hank, their generosity, love and commitment to caring for you was monumental! Uncle Chick did so much to care for you. You were loved!

  13. licata family

    our deepest sympathy to chick, maureen , hank and the whole family. your mom and dad gave such joy to our mom at riverside. she misses them so much. she isn’t doing well since your mom passed and dad isn’t around that area anymore. we will always remember the 4 of them and how they kept eachother going at riverside. i misplaced your number and was sorry we couldn’t contact you direct. our love to chick and deepest sympathy to you all. love ya, patti and lenny

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