In Memory Of
In Memory of Mary Lee Isel Reading '63 November 5, 2014
Lee's Memorial Project: A beautiful arbor and back yard swing were constructed (by Iota's prized Maintenance Man, Jim Oyler) with the memorial donations received from Lee's DG sisters. Local friend and DG sister, Connie Tucker, assisted with selections that Lee would appreciate to add beauty and kindness to the house in her memory. A name plate will be added to the arbor In Memory of Our DG Sister Mary Lee Isel Reading '63. Thank you for your generous contributions to make this special sisterhood swing in her honor! The collegians were even able to enjoy it before they left for the summer.
She was always an inspiration to all. An example of love and generosity and commitment to others well being.
-Karen Smith White, London
She was a wonderful person, a dedicated DG and a loyal Ilini.
-Judy Karr '64
Lee (Mary) Isel Reading was my classmate who I met over 50 years ago as a pledge. We have remained dear friends ever sense, and I mourn her passing. She was a "sister" in every sense of the word and will be missed by all.
-Deanna Kirschbaum Stuart
Please remember the passing of my Iota Pledge Daughter, Lee Reading Isel
- Claudia R. Joslyn '60
She and her husband Bill Reading were married for 52 years. He shared, "Our life was a love story." During their senior year he and Lee wrote letters to each other and saved all of them. "They tell a very good story of our life on campus and Lee's life within DG and their love for each other". Bill plans to publish a book of these letters.
- Bill Reading
Lee and Bill resided in Lecanto, Florida. Lee will be remembered and missed by her DG sisters. We extend a sincere thank you and will keep Mary Lee's friends, husband and family in our thoughts.
Sisters gather to honor Mary Lee
Delta Gamma sisters gathered in June to remember and honor a special member who passed away in November 2014.
Members of the Champaign-Urbana Delta Gamma Alumnae group dedicated a beautiful backyard arbor and swing to Mary Lee Isel Reading, Iota Class of 1963, on June 29 at the University of Illinois Delta Gamma house in Urbana.
Karen Pickard, Champaign-Urbana Delta Gamma Alumnae Chapter President, spoke at the memorial event.
“We are here to honor the memory of a dear sister who was the epitome of all that is Delta Gamma,” Pickard said. “We are here today to dedicate this beautiful arbor swing in honor of our own Mary Lee Isel Reading.
“She was a dedicated DG, a loyal Illini, and an inspiration of love and generosity in her commitment to the well being of all those around her. Lee was truly a gracious hostess and, as an upperclassman, even invited the new pledge class for a summer get-together at her home in Skokie. Lee wanted those fledgling sisters to feel welcomed even before they arrived on campus.”
Mary Lee Isel Reading passed away on Nov. 5, 2015. Soon after her death, DG sister, Connie Tucker, assisted with selections that Lee would appreciate to add beauty and kindness to the house in her memory.
A beautiful arbor and back yard swing were constructed (by Iota's prized Maintenance Man, Jim Oyler) with the memorial donations received from Lee's DG sisters. A nameplate on the Arbor reading “In Memory of Our DG Sister Mary Lee Isel Reading '63” will forever remind members of their kind-spirited sister, who is gone but not forgotten.
In Memory of Frankie Reifsteck June 2013
http://www.news-gazette.com/obituaries/2013-06-21/frankie-reifsteck.html
To the Reifsteck Family,
It is with heavy hearts we say farewell to our Delta Gamma sister Frankie. We know how important her family was to her, for over the years we enjoyed hearing about the three boys who were growing up, the lives they were making as young men, and the dear grandchildren who were such a special part of her life…a part of those Wednesday night dinners.
Frankie was a very special part of our DG family as well. She was the alum on whom we could always count to be at every event. She served the Iota Chapter so lovingly and with such great enthusiasm for all these many years. Frankie epitomized all that is Delta Gamma. We are certain that when our DG sisters see cream roses and anchors in our future, we will always remember our dear sister Frankie who is now part of our past. We shall remember her in that gorgeous, beige crocheted dress and we will smile.
In Frankie’s memory, our Iota Chapter and Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Association have made a donation to the Delta Gamma Fraternity Foundation. We thank all of you for sharing your mother with us, and we will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers when we come together in the bonds of Delta Gamma.
