Eileen Helen (Ivory) Criste

Eileen Helen (Ivory) Criste, 88, of Lynchburg, VA, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on Friday November 10, 2023 at 3:20pm, the hour of mercy. Born in Loretto, PA on September 11, 1935, she was the 10th of 14 children born to the late Elwood James and Stella Catherine (Rudolph) Ivory. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Thaddeus; her son Stephen Thaddeus; granddaughter Rebecca Louise North; great grandchildren Averie Parker North and Noah Ryan Hathaway; and 11 siblings: Mary Louise “Weezie” (Ivory) Lawn; Gertrude “Gertie” (Ivory) Rosensteel; James “Jim” Ivory; Carolyn (Ivory) Rock; Hilda “Hilde” (Ivory) Weber; Bernadette “Bernie” (Ivory) Cosentino; Elizabeth Jane “Janie” (Ivory) Kennedy; Ronald “Ronnie” Ivory; Harold “Sonny” Ivory; Donald R. Ivory; and Edith C. Ivory. Eileen was a dedicated housewife, heroic mother, and a life-long Roman Catholic with attendance at Holy Cross Catholic Church and St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Eileen is survived by eight children: Robert Kevin Criste, Mark Charles Criste (Paula); Deborah Ann North (Steve); Catherine Ellen Criste, Sheila Mary Wetzel (Larry); Ann Eileen Graham (Rick); Daniel Regis Criste (Colleen); and Vincent Thomas Criste (Barbara); and two sisters, Lucinda “Tinnie” (Ivory) Soisson and Pauline (Ivory) Parrish. Eileen has 33 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren. The Criste family would like to thank all those who cared for our dear Mother over the last many months. Their professionalism, compassion, and assistance were greatly appreciated. We would like to thank Martha Carlson and our sweet sister Sheila Wetzel. While all siblings cared for mother in numerous ways as their schedules permitted, Sheila went above and beyond the call of duty to care for mom full time and we recognize her complete selflessness during mom’s final months. (Thank you to her husband Larry as well for his patience and support of Sheila.) The family will receive friends at Whitten Timberlake Chapel (7404 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502) on Wednesday November 15 from 6pm to 9pm with the Rosary recited at 8:30pm. A final viewing will take place on Thursday November 16 at 11am followed by a 12pm funeral Mass held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (3015 Roundelay Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502) with Msgr. Michael D. McCarron KCHS, pastor, and nephew, Fr. Peter Fegan, OP, officiating. Interment will take place immediately following Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery (Bedford Ave) in Lynchburg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following: Carmelite Monastery of Saint Therese of Lisieux 2101 Manor Dr, Loretto, PA 15940 https://lorettocarmel.org/donations Abel Speaks 7616 LBJ Freeway Suite 715, Dallas TX 75251 https://abelspeaks.org/give/ Abel Speaks exists to walk with parents who have chosen to carry a child with a life-limiting diagnosis. St. Thomas More Funeral Meals C/O St. Thomas More Catholic Church 3015 Roundelay Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502