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.

Reibel, Sylvia JeanFollowing 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.