Jeanne E. Riegel, 85, Loved Gardening, Singing and Playing Piano

She was born January 17, 1932 in Lorain and remained a lifelong resident.

Jeanne was a lifetime member of the former St. Joseph Church. She was a homemaker who loved and cared for her family, and worked briefly at the Castle on the Lake restaurant in 1954.

Jeanne was known to many as the “Bird Lady”, she loved gardening, singing and playing piano, along with decorating her home for all of the holidays. She was very involved in community affairs.

Jeanne had belonged to the Lorain Women’s Club where she was instrumental in establishing Lorain’s first Safety Town for children. She had attended Lorain High School, was a member of Lakeview Elementary School PTA, and won the Lorain Beauty Queen title as a teenager.

She is survived by her husband Wally, with whom she celebrated her 66th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13th. Survivors also include children Mickey Riegel of Lorain, Thomas (Jean) Riegel of North Olmsted, Linda Baker of Kimbolton, OH, and Lori (Rich) Kapalin of Lorain, grandchildren Jennifer Maston, who was raised by Jeanne and Wally, Brad Herda, Megan Taliano, Brandon, Alex, and Vicky Riegel, along with 13 great-grandchildren, and a special sister in law Elia Riegel.

She was preceded in death by her parents Grover and Emilie Smith, sisters Evelyn Goohs, and Maxine Dittmer, and a brother George Smith.

Funeral services will be Wednesday September 27th beginning with prayers at 9:00 am in Reichlin-Cooley Funeral Home, 2920 Broadway, Lorain, followed by 9:30 am Mass at St. Peter Parish. Fr. Craig Hovanec will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 pm till 8 pm in the funeral home.