Helen Reaver

Helen Reaver, (a.k.a. Tilly) of Emmitsburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her children, Janet (Carmel Kelly), Dan (Anne), Matt (Anne), Greg, Mary Anne (David Shields), Amanda (wife of her late son Chris), Laura (Ron Dillman), Vince (Cathy), and Brian (Susan); 25 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; her brothers Bernard, Donald, Tom, Paul, David, Dick, and Sam Wivell; her sisters Therese Topper, Genny Little, and Joan Matthews; and numerous loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Helen was predeceased by her loving husband Sheridan (Ed) Reaver of 65 years, her son, Christopher Reaver; her grandson, Eliot Kelly; her parents, Roy and Helen Wivell; and seven brothers and two sisters.

Helen grew up in Emmitsburg on her family's dairy farm as the 12th of 20 children. She attended St. Anthony's grade school and St. Joseph's High School. She was employed at Mount St. Mary's until her marriage, later working at the Provincial House and the Emmitsburg Town Office, from which she retired. She went on to serve as manager of “special projects” at Emmitsburg Glass Company.

A lifelong Catholic with an unwavering faith in God, Helen was a devoted parishioner of St. Anthony's Shrine her entire life, where she gave generously of her time and talent through the Ladies Sodality, the yard sale committee, and countless other parish activities and committees. One of her most cherished memories was receiving Holy Communion, alongside her husband Ed, from Pope St. John Paul II during his papal visit to Baltimore.

Helen treasured time with her family above all else. She found deep joy in any occasion, large or small, that brought the family together, especially hosting Grandkids' Days at her house every summer. She loved playing cards and traveling with her siblings, her children, and dear friends. She enjoyed couponing, refunding, sewing, and gardening, often as a 4-H project with her kids and to help feed her family. You would often find her cheering on her children and grandchildren at their sporting events.

Helen's generosity extended well beyond her own family. She made quilts and pillows for the poor, baked casseroles and desserts for church gatherings, and sold raffle tickets for whatever cause needed a hand. Helping others came as naturally to her as the sun rising.

She instilled in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren a deep love of family, devout faith, strong work ethic, lasting compassion for others, and a heartfelt hope for world peace. She always had a warm smile and a friendly word for everyone she encountered. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visitation: Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St. Anthony's Shrine, 16150 St. Anthony's Road, Emmitsburg, MD, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass: A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. Anthony's Shrine. Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mother Seton School Tuition Assistance Fund or to St. Anthony's Shrine, both in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to the nursing staff at Bon Secours for their compassionate care of Mom, and to Helen's daughters Janet, Mary Anne, and Laura for their unwavering love, support, and devotion in caring for her. Without them, our family would have struggled through this journey, and we are forever grateful.