M. Ilene Close, 93, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at UPMC Wellsboro.

Born August 6, 1930 in Roulette, PA, she was a daughter of the late Glenn and Rebecca (Weimer) Bickford. She was a 1948 graduate of Coudersport High School. On January 20, 1951, in Galeton, she married George A. Close, Sr., who preceded her in death on December 16, 2010. Ilene was the cafeteria manager at Galeton Production for seven years and then worked at St. Mary’s Carbon for over 19 years.

She was a faithful member of St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton. She greatly cherished her family, and was a dedicated church activity organizer, especially dinners and festivals. She greatly enjoyed shopping, reading, Facebook and doing word puzzles. Many also joke that she was a member of the neighborhood watch since she loved watching out her window at what was going on outside.

Surviving are, two sons, George Close, Jr., Galeton and David (Lorraine) Close, Galeton; two daughters, Susan (Daniel) Thompson, Wellsboro, and Jane (Kevin) Pazyck, Rochester, NY; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Michael Greves, Bloomfield, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ilene was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Ann Greves; five brothers, Richard, Norman “Pete”, Carl, Donald and Kenneth Bickford; and six sisters, Rita Blow, Madie Weidow, Gertrude Pagano, Donna Toombs, Lorraine Jaros and Gladys Bickford.

A Rosary Service will be held at St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at 9:30 am. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00 am with A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11:00 am with the Rev. Christopher Wheeler as Celebrant. Interment will be made in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Galeton Public Library.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton.