Reva Nelson

Reva Mae (MacDonald) Nelson, 88, of Edinboro, PA, more affectionately and commonly known as Mom, Grandma, GG, Granny and “my favorite aunt”, passed away peacefully in the arms of her loving family Thursday February 2, 2023.  She was called home to be with Jesus and the love of her life, Chuck.  She was born June 22,1934 in Erie, PA, the daughter of Susan Ruth (Williams) and Glenn Irwin MacDonald.

She was a gentle, caring, compassionate woman who loved spending time with her family most of all.  For all who were lucky enough to share her life, we know that by family we mean, all friends she would embrace becoming her “family” as well.  GG always put the needs and wants of others ahead of her own.  The world would sure be a better place if we all applied this lesson.  More times than you could count, she would cancel her plans to help someone else make their wishes or needs happen.  How many times do we all remember she wouldn’t take her dessert until everyone had their portion or saying, “take mine”.  She was the most forgiving lady.  All my life, especially after her greatest joys in life (her grandchildren and great grandchildren- and of course Dale) I remember that her loved ones (or anyone for that matter) could do no wrong.  She always made an excuse for everything, for everyone.  We used to tease her that she had more excuses than Carter had liver pills.  Val, Chaz and Amber especially benefited from this!  She always looked for and saw the good in everyone.  She only had kind words and those of encouragement always and of course that priceless smile.

Mom so loved her family.  She would say “if you hurt the ones you love, you hurt yourself more”.  How true.  SO many lessons learned.  She would say “Always do what is right”.  Contrary to what most people knew, always seeing her compassionate, loving, generous, easy- going nature, she was a strong lady.  Thank you, mom!  During the toughest times in her life, I remember saying to her, "you are so strong”.  She would say, “sometimes I have a little trouble handling the little things, but I can always handle the big things with God’s help”.

She enjoyed camping, bowling, watching movies ( mostly The Ranch and old westerns), basketball and eating her “sweets”.  Remember the cream cheese Danish and Reese’s peanut butter cups in her smock pocket at Super Duper?  She was also quite the athlete in her younger days, cheerleading, basketball and even went to Cleveland to participate in a state softball tournament.  She remained active even in recent days doing her exercise 3 or 4 times a week with her friends Carolyn and Peggy, sometimes with a little extra encouragement.

Mom and dad were the proud owners of retail grocery most of her life, originally McKean IGA and later McKean Super Duper.  They didn’t have much time, but when they did have any time, they sure had fun! “Work hard, play hard”, they would say.  Oh, did mom love to dance, too (jitterbug that is!).  Please everyone, share your stories with us as we know there are countless memories.   Wildwood Acres Campground, St. Francis Ushers Club, Eureka Road to the farm, “on the road again”, “wherever my family is”…

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Sue and her dearest son-in-law Dale.  She is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Valerie Meabon (Mike Smith) of North East, PA and Charles (Chaz) Meabon of New York, NY, the sunshine of her life Amber Lynn (Devin Muscarella) of Erie, PA and Chase Hunter of North East, PA her great grandchildren, a very special Carolyn Rekitt, and her furry buddy, Hendrix.

She attended McKean Joint High School and was a member of St. Francis RC Church in McKean.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 44 years (+ forever) Chuck Nelson, 3 brothers Glenn (Daf), Cliff and Richard (Dick) MacDonald and a sister Aleen Masterson.

You couldn’t help but notice, reminiscing through old photos, that she always had her arms around those she loved always.  She was love in the simplest and most genuine form.  The comfort and how we will continue through life, every day, is knowing that GG (mom, grandma, granny…) will have her loving arms around each and every one of us.

Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street Edinboro on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 8880 Main St., McKean, PA 16426.

Burial will be at Erie County Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's research at www.alz.org/pa. Please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com for Reva's full obituary or to leave condolences.