Estella D. Reid's Obituary
Estella "Stell" Reid, lovingly known as Stell to those who knew her well, passed away peacefully at the grand age of 97 on December 6, 2024, in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, the same city where she first embraced life's journey on August 8, 1927. Her presence was a gift to all, and her departure leaves a legacy of joy, laughter, and boundless love.
A proud graduate of Carrick High School's class of 1945, Stell's tireless work ethic and affable character were evident early on and shone throughout her years of dedicated service at Mellon Bank, from which she retired. Yet retirement was not an end but a transition, as she continued to bring her smile and sharp wit to part-time work well into her 80's.
Stell's heart was always with her family, a cornerstone of pure joy and unconditional love that was reflected in the lives of her beloved children, Janis "Jana" Panther Thomas, and William Reid. She cherished every moment shared with her grandchildren Bethany Panther, Jonathan Panther, William "Billy" Reid, Brooke Reid, and Travis Reid, as well as her adoration for her great-grandchildren Ella Raraigh, Keira Raraigh, Aivah Reid, Emma Reid, Isla Reid and Penelope Reid. Her sister Helen Stoehr will hold dear the memories of sisterhood they shared.
She was preceded in death by her devoted spouse William Harry Reid, her dear son James "Jimmy" Reid, her caring parents Howard P. Derrick and Eleanor Derrick Knell, and her brother Howard Derrick. Each of them held a special place in her heart and history.
A woman of many joys, Stell reveled in life's simple pleasures: a good bargain shopping at Kohl's or the dollar store, delighting in meals at Eat-N-Park, and embracing the tranquility found on her rocking chair or with her toes playfully dipped in the water by her daughter's pool. Her quick wit and infectious laughter were the heartbeat of countless gatherings.
Stell's legacy is one of love, laughter, and generosity. As a parent and friend, she exuded a warmth and trustworthiness that made everyone feel at home. An admirer of nature's beauty, she found kinship with flowers, butterflies, and hummingbirds, embodying their grace and vibrancy. Her life was a vivid tapestry woven with the love of her family and the many lives she touched - a tapestry that will continue to inspire and comfort those she leaves behind. Estella "Stell" Reid will be deeply missed, yet her spirit will forever dance on the wings of the butterflies she so adored.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 29th, 2024 at 2pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pleasant Hills, PA, 15236.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lukemia Society at donate.cancer.org.
Online condolences can be made at jeffersonmemorial.com.
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