Elvira R. Orlando

Elvera (Elvira) R. (Riotto)Orlando, born to Sicilian immigrants, Maria and Santo Riotto on December 19, 1916 passed away on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, in Berks Heim. Her husband, Ernest E. Orlando preceded her in death on December 3, 1994. She was a woman of remarkable devotion to her family and her Catholic faith.

Throughout her life, her love of children played an important role in her identity as a mother and grandmother. Her proudest moments and happiest times were occupied by her children as they gathered for family events.

Throughout her life, she found joy in sewing, crocheting, baking and singing in the choir at Holy Rosary Church. As a child of 12, she began working at Van Huesen in Pottsville . In later life, she worked at Luden's and Arkay Knitting Mills in Reading. Her position as a crossing guard at Schuylkill Ave. and W. Greenwich Sts for many years reflected her love for children as she knew each by name.

Surviving are children: Christina Haigh, Reading; Mary Ann, wife of Deacon William Kase, Wyomissing; Francis A., husband of Bonnie Orlando, Gettysburg, PA; and Gerard E., husband of Alice Orlando, Wyomissing. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and sister, Josephine Yeneshosky, New Philadelphia, PA. A daughter, Patricia Yatsko, passed away in 1990.

Special thanks is given to the staff at Berks Heim for their many kindness and comfort given to our mother, especially those who ministered to her on 3A.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 28, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, West Reading with burial to follow at Gethsemane Cemetery. A viewing will be held Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 6217, Reading, PA 19610 or Berks Catholic High School, 955 E Wyomissing Blvd, Reading, PA 19611. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.