Renee Englehardt

Renee Riley Englehardt; a kind, compassionate and loving soul, left us on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 79. She died peacefully, surrounded by family at Abington Hospital. Born in South Philadelphia, PA, on November 30, 1945, Renee was the youngest of 4 siblings to parents Edward and Naomi Riley. Renee was known by many affectionate nicknames, including Reenie, Bub, and Ne Ne. Her light-hearted nature and warm-hearted generosity made her a beacon of comfort and love to all of those fortunate enough to know her.
Renee was a strong, courageous and selfless woman who embraced life with a unique sense of grace, compassion and humility. After growing up in South Philadelphia, she lived in Parkwood and Bensalem before retiring, & then moving in with her daughter Shelly in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. A gifted hairdresser by trade, she spent countless hours subtly transforming people's lives with her creative touch in the world of beauty & even achieved obtaining her managers license in hairdressing. Renee had always wanted to help & work with the elderly; so, at the age of 50, she went back to school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant. She worked at the Pickering Manor Nursing Home in Newtown PA for many years. One of the nurses at the nursing home said that "Renee was the most popular CNA as all of the patients requested her" - which is a testament to her kind, compassionate and empathic nature. Renee found solace in her love of reading, watching TV, crocheting, baking, listening to Johnny Mathis and the love she had for her many pets throughout the years. However, her children were her world; as she dedicated her life to nurturing, protecting and cherishing them. Her boundless love and generosity were the cornerstones of her life, making her a true matriarch in every sense of the word.
Renee is survived by her beloved children: Melissa Englehardt, George Englehardt (Andrea), and Shelly Englehardt, and her cherished granddaughters: Samantha Zajdel Lutz (Joseph) and Rachel Zajdel (John). She is preceded in death by her daughter Alicia Marie Englehardt (who died at birth), her father Edward Riley, her mother Naomi Riley, her brother Mark Riley, and her sisters Lois Riley Struble and Rochelle Riley Steen.
Renee is a true survivor in every sense of the word. She always put everyone first, regardless of who you were. Being in a very challenging marriage with difficult circumstances, she had the courage to take care of her 4 children, one who passed at birth, sacrificing a life of financial comfort to then having to work 2 & 3 jobs just to keep a roof over her kids' heads & food on the table. Renee's work ethic, strength & courage were unparalleled.
Because of the severe abuse Renee suffered and somehow survived & also, the love she had for animals; in lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you please make a donation to a Domestic Violence Organization or any Animal Charity in Renee's honor.
Renee's service and interment will be private at the family's request. A celebration to honor the life Renee lived will be held at a later date.
Renee's generous spirit, radiant smile, and kind heart will be sorely missed, but her legacy of kindness, compassion, generosity, courage & empathy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her family, friends and everyone who knew her will forever remember Renee for the strong, kind, courageous woman she was.