Elizabeth Reigh

Mrs. Elizabeth “Louise” Reigh, registered nurse, age 91, passed into Glory to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on the morning of December 28, 2020.  She died peacefully of old age in Hartford, CT.  She and her family lived in Mohnton, PA for most of her life.  She was born in Altoona, PA on August 10, 1929.  Louise was the daughter of Cecil E. and Maude (Shoope) Lower. She is survived by two children Douglas Reigh, DMD (Carol Reigh) of Birdsboro, PA, and Sandra Connelli (Lawrence Connelli) of Avon, CT and two grandchildren, Kyle Connelli of Norwich, CT,  and Emily Connelli from New York City, NY. Louise was married to her childhood sweetheart, Dr. Ernest Reigh for 63 years prior to his passing in 2017.

Upon graduating from Altoona High School, she completed nurses training in Altoona and earned a RN degree.   Her healing hands and words cured and comforted many patients and families.  She worked at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA and later at the formerly known Reading Hospital in Reading, PA.  She was blessed with many gifts and used them for good.

She was a devote Christian servant who understood the power of prayer, the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, and the importance of Christian missions. She was a member of the Exeter Bible Fellowship Church in Exeter, PA, involved in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and taught Sunday school. Louise lived her faith witnessing to many along the way. Her voice was beautiful; she loved to sing and play the piano. She was an expert fly fisherwoman and spent many long hours over the years fishing on lakes and streams with Ernie and family.  She was a member of the hunting and fishing establishment in northern Pennsylvania called the Forest Lake Club.  She enjoyed playing tennis throughout the year and skiing in the winter.  She had a respect for nature, the great outdoors and God’s creation.  Her sense of adventure, fun-loving spirit, and strong work ethic was infectious and admirable.  She was one of the “Greatest Generation.”  Growing up poor and losing her home during the Great Depression, she worked many jobs, recognized opportunities, and trusted in God to rise above her circumstances. She was patriotic and honored our country, our freedoms, the Constitution, and those who died fighting for liberty.

Louise was an unrivaled homemaker, mother, wife, and friend.   She made her house a loving home with three meals a day and Christmas cookies well worth the calories. Her deep love and devotion for her husband, Ernie, was always evident in words and deeds. Louise and Ernie were inseparable. They considered others more important than themselves, followed the Ten Commandments, and lived the Golden Rule.  Her favorite scripture was “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6   Louise will certainly hear our Savior say, “well done good and faithful servant.”

A private graveside service will be held at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Reading PA at the convenience of the family. Bean Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc. 129 E. Lancaster Ave. Shillington is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions include: Samaritans Purse at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC. 28607 (www.SamaritansPurse.org) or World Vision at PO Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98063 (www.worldvision.org).