Louise Reily Kunkel71, died on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the Jack Byrne Hospice Center near Hanover, NH, from complications related to Multiple Myeloma.

Born in Harrisburg, PA in 1946, Louise was the daughter of George Wolf Reily, III and Barbara Fleming Reily. As a child, she lived on Front Street in Harrisburg. When she was eight, her family moved to Fishing Creek Valley Road to live closer to extended family. Their new home, known as "Hidden Valley", was an idyllic setting. Louise and her siblings, alongside assorted Fleming, Hickok, McVey, and Barnard cousins, entertained themselves with sports and shenanigans from dawn to dusk. Louise spent time every summer of her life at her family's summer house in Eagles Mere, PA. She loved to lead family and friends on long group hikes, which her older brother Dan often referred to as 'forced marches.'

Louise attended the Harrisburg Academy and St. Timothy's School in Stevenson, MD. After stints at Bradford Junior College and Boston University, Louise received her BA and MA from Shippensburg University. She taught special needs elementary and middle school students in the Susquenita School district for many years and mentored other other special education teachers. In both her personal and professional lives, Louise was incredibly well-organized and renowned for her list-making and extensive use of post-it notes.

A dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer, Louise served on the boards of many community organizations in Harrisburg. She was a founding member of the Museum of Scientific Discovery at the Whitaker Science Center and helped establish the Sylvan Heights Science Charter School, whose library is dedicated to her. She was a tireless champion of the Community Check-Up Center, which strives to improve the health and wellness of low-income women and children. For many years, Louise tutored adults in the Tri-County GED program. In 2013, the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg honored Louise with its Legacy Award, which is given annually to an exemplary woman whose efforts set a standard for a lifetime commitment to the welfare of the Capital Region and its residents.

Following the death of her husband Lewis Kunkel in 2013, Louise moved from McCormick Road in Bowmansdale, PA to Hanover, NH to be closer to her two children and her five grandchildren. Four years (or 'winters,' as Louise liked to measure time in Hanover) of sports games, dance recitals, school concerts, and family dinners made 'Weeza' an indelible part of her grandchildren's lives. Her house on Crowley Terrace quickly became their favorite after-school hangout.

Louise wasted no time getting involved in the Hanover community. She tutored local GED students and volunteered at the Maynard House, a guesthouse that strives to lessen the burden of travel for Upper Valley patients, their caregivers, and families. She enjoyed many adult education courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and was a regular at area Pilates and meditation classes.

Louise was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2008. Deploying her characteristic combination of positive thinking, practicality, and outright denial, Louise battled the disease for ten years, remaining active and engaged to the very end. She underwent two stem-cell transplants and endured countless medical procedures. At every stop along the way, she was a favorite of doctors, nurses, and her fellow patients for her good humor and optimism.

Throughout her life, Louise was the gravitational center of her extended family. She greeted each new addition to the clan with love and genuine interest. She knit Christmas stockings for every grandchild. She measured and sewed curtains for dorm rooms and first apartments. She spearheaded family reunions. In recent years, Louise took family members on trips to Costa Rica, Italy, and France.

Louise is survived by her son Bill Miles and his wife Pam; her daughter Sarah Miles and her husband Kevin McCurdy; her grandchildren Sophie, Carly, Becket, Amelia, and Zach; her siblings George Reily (Phyillis Blonder), John Reily, B.Z. Reily and her husband Eric Stocker; her nieces Eelin Reily, Ella Stocker, and Maeve Raphael-Reily; her nephews Jake Stocker and Christopher Raphael-Reily; her stepchildren Lewis Kunkel (Liza), Lucy Torndahl (Otto), and Eliza Kunkel; and many, many cousins from coast to coast.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Maynard House, 17 South Street, Hanover, NH 03755.

A celebration of Louise's life is planned for Monday, March 26th at 11 AM at Dowds' Country Inn, in Lyme, New Hampshire.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Rand-Wilson Funeral Home of Hanover, NH.