Henrietta L. Whaley

Henrietta (Campbell) Whaley, age 93 of Lower Burrell, PA became one of God’s angels on May 26, 2020, in Gainesville, VA, where she had been living with her son Kenneth for the past 2 years. Born Della Henrietta Lilly, Jan. 12, 1927, in Creighton, PA, to the late Henry and Marion Bass Lilly. Married to the late John R. Whaley “Bolo” and the late ex-husband William L. Campbell. Sister to the late Dorothy Watkins of Philadelphia, PA and brother James Lilly of Cleveland, OH. She is survived by two daughters and three sons: Ursula Campbell-Escalante (Pgh), Keith Campbell (Cherie) (OH), Scot Whaley (TX), Kenneth Whaley (Angie), and Maida Piggee (Carlos) both of (VA). Blessed with 14 grandchildren: Beije Escalante-Spring (Travis), the late Eliazar and Hunt Campbell-Escalante, Laaun and Northe Campbell-Escalante, the late Robert Story, Porscha Anderson (Dale) and Gillian Campbell, Garland and Preston Whaley, Cameron, Devon and Addyson Whaley, and Arianna Piggee. Blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Amiya, Rios Hunt, and Imani Escalante; Lyric Escalante-Garrett; Taylor Campbell-Scruggs, Dale and Presley Anderson; and Gabriel Helmick. She enjoyed the companionship of the late George Thomas Hubbard. Henrietta attended East Deer Schools and played the clarinet in the school band and orchestra. A member of Vermont Baptist Church since age 13, where she served as an Usher and a secretary to late ministers: Campbell, Hill, Stuart and Wingfield. She attended University of Pittsburgh, studying pre-med and went on to graduate from the New Kensington Community College. Better known as “Penny”, Henrietta worked at Citizen’s General Hospital as a nurse’s aide in Pediatrics, for 7 years. As a working mother, Henrietta then began a 22 year career with PNB (PNC) Bank, as a teller and vault attendant. She was also an avid member and Worthy Matron of Fidelity Chapter #29 of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed playing Bridge with girlfriends as well as part of a Pittsburgh area Couples Club for 20 years. Henrietta retired from the banking business, but not before becoming a member and then one-time President of the New Kensington Business & Professional Women, served on the Executive Board of the Salvation Army, then on to be the first female President of the Lower Burrell Lions Club. She traveled to Israel, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and often bragged about putting her feet in the Nile, as her biggest blessing. Unable to stay idle for long, she worked as a sales person at Kaufman’s Monroeville for 7 years and then for several years volunteered at Allegheny Valley Hospital, ending her tenure as a receptionist in the OR in the spring of 2015, at age 88. Ma was a tough cookie and most resilient. She was saddened but greatful to have outlived most of her friends and acquaintances. She never stopped pushing forward. In her 90’s she still enjoyed going out to dinner, taking small trips, and being around family. She didn’t want to miss out on anything or the opportunity to wear her finest. We all hope to grow up to be just like her. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Special Olympics, the American Diabetes Association, the Lions Club and Salvation Army of Lower Burrell, PA in the honor of Henrietta Whaley. A private memorial service will he held at Greenwood Memorial Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020.

Henrietta L. Whaley

January 12, 1927 - May 26, 2020