Henrietta "Rita" Gillen
Henrietta "Rita" Gillen
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Henrietta Gillen Obituary
Rita was born in Portsmouth, England on June 8, 1930, a daughter of the late Henrietta G. (nee Hall) and James T. Phillips and was the widow of Joseph T. Gillen. They were married 52 years.
She was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, West Lawn (formerly a member of St Johns Lutheran Church in Mohnton) and worked as an Accounting Manager at the former Becker Equipment Co. Inc. She was a Foster Grandparent for 13 years with the Reading School District and also read books to children at Barnes and Noble Book Store. Rita loved going to Bingo and the casino. She loved going on cruises. She made friends everywhere she went. She was an amazing mother, grandmother and friend. Her life was filled with amazing moments that she could talk about forever.
Henrietta is survived by her daughter, Lesli S., girlfriend of Steven, of West Lawn and two grandchildren, Alexis and Bryce. She was predeceased by her daughters Denise and Beverly.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 10 AM to 10:45 AM at Feeney Funeral Home. Religious service will follow at 11 AM. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rita's name may be made to The Animal Rescue League at 58 Kennel Rd. Birdsboro PA 19508.
Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160. Obituary and condolences at www.johnpfeeney.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Susan Agsten
March 6, 2026
I was saddened to see the loss of such a wonderful lady as Rita. I met Rita at St. Alban's and enjoyed our talks in the office. My condolences go to her family. Susan Agsten
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Liz DeMarco
March 4, 2026
I´m so saddened to hear of Grandma´s passing. She was such a wonderful woman who I loved dearly. I am sending thoughts and prayers to the family. She had a long fulfilling life, helping and touching the lives of so many. She will be missed!
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625 North 4th Street, Reading, PA 19601
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