Henrietta "Rita" Gillen

Henrietta (Rita) Gillen, 95, of Spring Township, formerly of Kenhorst, passed away on March 1, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Portsmouth, England, on June 8, 1930, Rita was the daughter of the late Henrietta G. (née Hall) and James T. Phillips. She was the widow of Joseph T. Gillen, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. A longtime member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in West Lawn, she previously attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mohnton. She worked for many years as an Accounting Manager at Becker Equipment Co. Inc. and later devoted more than a decade as a Foster Grandparent with the Reading School District. She also volunteered by reading books to children at Barnes & Noble.

Rita had a zest for life that drew people to her. She loved playing bingo, visiting the casino, and taking cruises. She made friends wherever she went and filled her days with stories she delighted in sharing. Above all, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and presence left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Lesli S., and Lesli’s partner Steven, of West Lawn, and two grandchildren, Alexis and Bryce. She was predeceased by her daughters Denise and Beverly.