Shirley L. Reale

Shirley L. Reale, Honorary Member, 84, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the Hershey Medical Center. She was the wife of the late Ron Reale and the mother of Yvonne Weimer.

Shirley L. Reale, 84, of Palmyra, formerly of Hershey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends on March 17, 2023 in the Hershey Medical Center.

Born January 2, 1939 in Hershey, PA to the late Paul and Ethel (Mae) Eshleman, Shirley was the youngest of 7 children. She graduated from Hershey High School in 1957 and married Ron Reale, her loving husband of 63 years in1958.

In 1962, Shirley, alongside her husband Ron, began a career as a houseparent for the Milton Hershey School in the Junior Division program where she affectionately was known as “Mom Reale” to the many students at the school. She was a dedicated mom and made every student feel so loved like they were her very own child. She ran a student home with the precision of a drill sergeant yet still had that motherly touch. Shirley worked as a houseparent for 25 years and continued to work in the school’s admissions office until her retirement.

Even though Shirley was a Hershey High girl, she was an avid supporter of all things Milton Hershey School. She supported sports teams cheering them on at every sporting event and helped to prepare meals for the teams before games. She cooked Saturday morning breakfasts at the Dearden House for the Alumni Homestead Chapter. Shirley was also an active member of the MHS Alumni Wives and even became an Honorary Alumnus of the school where she served as president for several years.

Shirley loved to sew and craft and was an amazing homemaker. She was a triple threat in the kitchen where she would cook up delicious Italian delights, bake up a storm as Rocky Road Fudge Bars were her specialty, and host fabulous parties. The kitchen was her favorite place and everyone always felt so welcomed with a cup of coffee or a baked goodie when they would stop by to visit.

Shirley was a true and loyal friend. Her warm smile, gentle nature, and kind heart made “Mom Reale” so loved by many and will be so missed by all who knew her.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Ron and is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Weimer and her husband Ed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Purcell Friendship Center on the Milton Hershey School Campus on Sunday, June 4th from Noon to 4 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey handled the arrangements.