Born at home in Hometown, Pennsylvania to Gerald and Nellie Purnell, Nellie Anne spent an active childhood with cherished cousins Mary (Mayna), Jack, Adrienne and Marianne climbing trees and playing hide and seek in the old hotel her extended family lived in. After graduating from Tamaqua High School, Nellie proudly earned her degree in Speech Pathology from Bloomsburg University. She went on to be an encouraging speech therapist for children throughout the state. As her own children grew and became independent, Nellie Anne earned a Master’s certification in Speech Pathology, and also worked as a licensed realtor and interior designer.
Nellie Anne married Charles Mathias in 1963 and, during their 22-year marriage, raised three children, Brette, Jim and Greg. Nellie and family cherished the “Rebel Road years” filled with neighborhood celebrations, sledding, Kick the Can and so much more. Nellie was an avid tennis player who loved spending time with her friends on and off the court. She was always a very involved and energetic volunteer in her children’s schools and sports teams. A 50-year member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Nellie always enjoyed time spent with dear friends in Bible study, writing and book groups.
Throughout her life, Nellie Anne’s most treasured role was as Mom and MomMom. She was always spoiling, always youthful, always listening with bright eyes, always involved in every game, every performance, every graduation. She loved and was so very loved.
Nellie Anne is survived by daughter Brette Reiman (Daniel), son James Mathias (Sherry), son Charles Gregory Mathias (Danielle), and eight grandchildren Jake, Kylie and Tess Reiman; Sam Hirsch (Grace); Hayden and Rachel Mathias; and, Desmond and Isla Mathias; cousins Adrienne Fertig, Mary Miller, Jack Miller, and many other beloved friends and family. Services will be on Thursday, February 27th at 11am at Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Devon, PA. In lieu of flowers, Nellie Anne requested donations in her name to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 203 North Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA 19333.
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