Obituary of Eileen R. Dishong

DISHONG Eileen R. (Cotterman), 66, of Jackson Twp., passed away on August 7, 2015 at home. Born Sept. 3, 1948, in Johnstown, daughter of the late David Earl and Evelyn Grace (Leidy) Cotterman. Survived by husband of 46 years, Barry Dishong; sons, Jeffrey (Darcy) Dishong and Gregory (LeAnn) Dishong; and grandchildren, Garett, Mitchell, Riley, Dylan, Andrew, Carter, Katerina and Abigail. Sister of Thelma (Lyn) Hileman; Ken (Linda) Cotterman; Dale (Rita) Cotterman; Bruce (Marcy) Cotterman; Norma (Paul) Bopp; Valerie (Ron) Cernetich; and David (Trish) Cotterman; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Member of Pike Grace Brethren Church, Mundys Corner. A 1969 graduate of Conemaugh School of Nursing, Eileen had a heart for serving others. She spent most of her career at Laurel Crest Manor, advancing from staff nurse to Director of Nursing, the position she held for the final decade of her working days. In 1971, following her employment interview at the Manor, Eileen expressed her desire to work there and her belief that she could make a difference. She spent 35-plus years fulfilling that desire and belief, retiring from Laurel Crest in 2009. According to her coworkers aides, nurses, custodians and others she truly made a difference in the lives of the residents she served. Hers was a life well spent. Eileen enjoyed camping and traveling, whether going out West or to Alaska, to Prince Gallitzin for Dishong campouts, or to the Cambria County Fair for a week. She and her family attended numerous horse-related events and activities, and some of her favorite times were spent with her beloved grandchildren attending games and concerts, throwing or kicking balls, leading ponies or sitting around campfires. She loved laughing with her husband, her boys, and her grandkids. All who knew Eileen will miss her. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo, and from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Pike Grace Brethren Church, the Rev. Adam Johnson officiating. Interment, Pike Brethren Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eileen s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.