Sylvia "Irene" Gaines

Sylvia "Irene" Gaines, 83, of 19198 Porky St., Saegertown, passed away Friday, July 14, 2017, in Meadville, at the home of her daughter, Shelley.

Irene was born in Meadville, on May 20, 1934, a daughter of the late Carl D. and Sylvia C. (Humes) Reichel.

On October 25, 1952, Irene married Raymond E. Gaines; he preceded her in death on March 21, 1969.

She was a life long and active member of Littles Corners United Methodist Church, where she served as treasurer for more than 50 years.

After 22 years of service, Irene retired from Meadville Medical Center where she worked in the Outpatient Admitting Department. She began her career at the former Spencer Hospital as a Switchboard Operator. She had previously been employed by the former Bell Telephone, the former Super Duper Grocery Store and the former Calhouns Grocery. She was a 1952 graduate of Saegertown High School. Irene was a member Wesbury United Methodist Community's Sunset Auxiliary and of the United Methodist Women. A people person, Irene loved participating in church activities as well as her monthly luncheons with the retired "Bell Girls" and former Spencer hospital co-workers. Her baking skills were second to none with her soft sugar cookies and pies among family favorites. Instead of sending a thank you card, Irene often gave a homemade pie to those she wanted to thank; pleasing many along the way. Irene enjoyed working in her yard and did her own mowing up until just a few weeks ago. She loved all her family deeply but her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. She will be sadly missed.

Irene is survived by three daughters Bonnie Caretti and her husband John, Sharlene Shellito and her husband Mark, both of Saegertown, Shelley Hillwig and her husband Jim of Meadville, six grandchildren Brian Shellito, Allison Caretti, John Crandall and his wife Ashley, Josh Crandall, Monica Skelton and her husband Brian, Tom Hillwig, seven great grandchildren Angelo Feleppa, Avery Feleppa, Savannah Crandall, Mason Crandall, Emmett Crandall, Kyrie Crandall, Adelaide Crandall, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Raymond, of 16 years, Irene was preceded in death by two brothers Lawrence Reichel and Leonard Reichel and her special niece Velma Battles.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2-5 at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 440 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE.

Funeral Services will be held at Littles Corners United Methodist Church, 15400 Rt. 198, Meadville, at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 17, 2017, with Jeff Bobin, Pastor, and Lea Guiney, Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Union City, officiating.

Irene will be laid to rest next to her husband, Raymond, in Saegertown Cemetery, Hayfield Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to Littles Corners United Methodist Church C/O Carol Powell, 16282 Valley Road, Meadville, PA 16335 or Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St,. Meadville, PA 16335

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of Crawford County, the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, Dr. Ryan Landefeld, Dr. Zulfiqar Hussain and Dr.Annaliisa McGlinn for the wonderful care and attention given to not only Irene, but to the entire family.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com