Obituary of Lois Jean Rhebergen

Lois W. Rhebergen¸ 93, of Baldwinsville, NY entered the Church Triumphant in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 23. Born Lois Jean Walter in Nutley, NJ in 1923, she was a graduate of Allegheny College and the State University of New York at Albany. For over fifty years Lois was the beloved wife of the late Frederick B. Rhebergen, and beloved mother to daughter Keri Jean Rhebergen of Ticonderoga, NY; son Rev. Paul Rhebergen of Hopewell, NJ; and daughter-in-law Rev. Marianne Rhebergen, also of Hopewell. She was adored by her three granddaughters, Deborah Rhebergen of Washington, DC, Kristin Rhebergen of Atlanta, GA, and Rebecca Rhebergen of Hopewell. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Lois taught English in three NY school districts: Clymer, Attica, and Baldwinsville. "Mrs. Rhebergen" shepherded many students through the rigors of high school English guiding a number of her students into careers in journalism. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, where she served as an Elder and Deacon; the Baldwinsville Scholarship committee, and as a member of McHarrie Legacy she served as a docent at the Shacksboro Museum. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at the Syracuse Home, and was a member of the Female Charitable Society. After retiring in 1984 she and Fred spent many winters in Winter Haven, FL where they were active in the Hidden Cove West community and Lake Alfred Presbyterian Church. Lois, a member of Onondaga Star #144, was a 65-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Matron in 1956 and 1961 and as a Grand Representative. Her daughter, Keri, continued in her footsteps and served as New York State Grand Matron in 2013. Humor, kindness, generosity, and hospitality were intrinsic to Lois' nature. She will long be remembered by neighbors, friends, students and fellow members of the Presbyterian Church. Visiting hours will be held Monday, February 27, 2017, from4:00-7:00 pm at The Falardeau Funeral Home on Downer Street in Baldwinsville. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, 64 Oswego Street, followed by a reception in the Christian Education building. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, the Syracuse Home of Baldwinsville, 7740 Meigs Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027 or The Eastern Star Home, 8290 State Route 69, PO Box 959, Oriskany, NY.