Early on Sunday morning, February 16, 2025, surrounded in the love of her family, Nora Lily “Gigi” Reeve Tokarczyk, 99, peacefully entered into Heaven, less than 6 months shy of her 100th birthday.

She was born on August 10, 1925, in Fulham, London, to the late Charles and Lily Reeve. After marrying her husband Edward, an American soldier, in England, Nora traveled across the ocean to the United States with her infant child Jean to begin their lives as a family in Carnegie, PA. It is there, with the Tokarczyk family, that she learned how to make the perfect pierogi, for every holiday.

Nora’s voice became a cherished sound to many as the warm, welcoming presence of Saks Fifth Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. She spent over 3 decades, with her delightful British accent, answering the telephone switchboard by greeting countless customers and leaving an impression that lasted well beyond their shopping trips.

In 2000, Nora moved to the North Hills of Pittsburgh to be closer to family. She was a dedicated member of St. Sebastian Parish (now Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) for more than 20 years.

In the fall of 2022, Nora had the opportunity to move into and be cared for by the wonderful and compassionate sisters and employees at the Little Sisters of the Poor. Her days were filled with creativity, as she participated in chime choir, painting classes and creative writing. She loved her community there and was treated with compassion, kindness and devotion by the caregivers and other residents.

Upon the birth of her first great-grandchild, Nora proudly assumed the title of ‘Gigi’. Her love of family led her to even introduce herself as Gigi to everyone she met. From her extended family and so many treasured friends, to members at her church, her neighbors at Perrytown Place, and even the mail she received, she was known and loved as everyone’s “Gigi”. Gigi always felt that there was nothing more important than being with family and nothing mattered more to her than the people she loved. She was up for any adventure if it meant spending time together. To be loved by Gigi was to be truly seen, truly valued and forever changed for the better. She celebrated everyone, always wanted everyone to be ‘home’, prayed for every person daily, and showed up for every family or school event and holiday. She was lovingly referred to as the Queen Mum to her immediate family and Gigi was always up for a good cup of piping hot tea and listening to Barry Manilow, with his song “Can’t Smile Without You” being one of her very favorites.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Edward Tokarczyk and her dear brother Douglas Reeve.

Her legacy continues in the hearts of all of those who survive her. She was the devoted “Mummy” to her daughter, Jean Smith (Ron); beloved grandmother of Lauri Yuska (Bob), Jill Tillotson (Craig), & Ronny Smith (Abby); cherished great-grandmother “Gigi” to Ashleigh Riehl (David), Bobby Yuska (Emma), Courtney Emery (Everett), Lindsay Jacob (Joe), Lauren, Willard Jonathan, Read, Ryan, Justin, Trey and Aaron Tillotson, and Ryder and Charlotte Smith; treasured great-great grandmother to Harvey, Lenora, and Benedict Riehl, Esther and Walter Emery and the eagerly awaited Ivanna Yuska. She is also survived by her loving siblings, Malcolm Reeve (Beryl) of Canada and Stella Reeve also of Canada as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the SZAFRANSKI-EBERLEIN FUNERAL HOME, INC., Carnegie, PA.

As per Gigi’s wishes, there will be no viewing.

All are welcome to attend a mass, in celebration of her life, held at 10:30 am on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Nora will be laid to rest next to her husband, Edward, in Christ Our Redeemer Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gigi's name to:
The Little Sisters of the Poor
1028 Benton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
https://littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org/donate/

www.szafranski-eberleinfuneralhome.com (412)276-1107