Sylvia Jean Reibel, age 72, resident of 22979 N. Mosiertown Road, Saegertown, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie, PA. Born in Meadville, PA on February 6, 1941, Sylvia was a daughter of the late Donald John Willis and Vera Weimer Willis. She married Alfred C. Reibel on April 23, 1960 and he survives.
Following her graduation from Cambridge Springs High School in 1959, Sylvia was employed briefly at San Rosario Nursing Home and the Home Restaurant both in Cambridge Springs. Following her marriage, she, together with her husband, operated their dairy farm until 1997. Sylvia was well known as the store clerk at Jim Howles Grocery in Venango from 1975 until the present and also was the Cussewago Township tax collector for the past 36 years. In her younger days, she was a Cub Scout den mother. Sylvia was a member of Saint Philips Catholic Church in Crossingville.
In addition to her husband, Alfred, of 53 years, Sylvia is survived by three sons – Alfred Reibel, Jr and his wife, Brenda of Cambridge Springs and their children Aaron, Jimmy,Leah and John Reibel;Timothy Reibel and his wife, Deborah of Virginia Beach, VA and their children Drew and Cole Reibel; and Donald Reibel of Saegertown and his children Mackenzie and Amber Frazier and her husband, Kyle. In addition, Sylvia leaves behind five sisters – April Roy of Las Vegas, NV; Donna Brown of Norristown, PA; Sara Burton and her husband, Rich of Canton, GA; Fidelis Orr and her husband, Ed of Erie; and Cynthia Filegar and her husband, James of Duncansville, PA; a brother-in-law Bob Messer of Easton, PA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sylvia was preceded in death by a sister – Naomi Messer and a grandson – Matthew who passed away in 1989.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Saint Philip’s Catholic Church in Crossingville with Reverend Chris Hamlett, pastor, as celebrant. Interment will be in St. James Cemetery, Crossingville.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Venango Volunteer Fire Department, 21472 Church, Venango, PA 16440.
My deepest sympathy to the Reibel family at such a difficult time. My prayers are with you all. May Sylvia rest in peace.
Elizabeth “Betty” Hanel Radmard
To The Reibel Family;
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate this wonderful womans life.
I only meet her once when my sister Debbie married Tim and going by how Tim is and how much her grandsons love her, Drew and Cole, she must have been a wonderful person.
Donna and Rob Brown, Portsmouth, VA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Sylvia will be missed. My God comfort the entire family during this difficult time. Corey, Tiffany, Molly & Travis
Dear Alfred and Family – I am so sorry about Sylvia’s passing. Kris and I couldn’t ask for better neighbors. If we can help in any way, please let us know. Kristian and Sally
We were stunned and saddened to hear the news of Sylvia’s passing. We so enjoyed seeing Sylvia behind the counter at Jimmy’s store. She was a friend. Our sincere heart felt sympathies go out to our friends the Reibels. Sylvia will be sadly missed and remembered always.
So many memories of summers at the farm; helping bring in cows for milking, picking corn or strawberries and just spending time with my cousins! Missing you already!!
Afred, Alfie, Tim and Donnie,
So sorry to hear about Sylvia, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I remember her as a wonderful person., and the Lord has another good soul by his side. I am sorry not to have seen any of you when I come up to visit, but you are all in my prayers. Please let me know if I can do anything.
Suzi Baer Dagney, Virginia Beach,VA
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I will keep your family in my prayers.
To the Willis Sisters and their families,
The Wolfe family sends their deepest sympathy to your family at this sad time.
Iliene, Debra, DeWayne, Don, David and Diane and our families