Vava Railey

Vava Ann Railey, 86, of Oakland passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at home surrounded by her family. Born on January 29, 1929 in Oakland, Vava was the beloved daughter of Kathryn and Leo Helbig. She graduated from Oakland High School and attended the University of Maryland. Early in her life, she was employed at the Department of Defense in Washington DC. Vava married Robert Railey on December 27, 1949 in Oakland and remained his devoted wife and supported his military career for 65 years until his recent death in March of this year. In 1976 they returned to Deep Creek where they enjoyed life on the lake for 22 years and in 2011 they relocated to Oakland. Vava's greatest joy in life was her family and home. She ensured that family and friends felt welcome in her home with her beautiful smile, generous sense of humor, warm hospitality and delicious food. She was always able to place another chair at her table to include someone during summer vacations, skiing season, holidays or any family celebrations. Vava worked with her husband in their real estate company, Lakeside Realty. She managed the rental aspect of the business and her generosity often included sharing her own household items. Vava loved gardening and was a member of the Mountain Laurel Garden Club and the Youghiogheny Glades Chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution. Vava was a giver in the truest sense of the word. She shared with her family many winter vacations to Nassau, Bahamas, enjoyed gardening, cooking, decorating and traveling with her girls. Vava leaves to cherish her sweet memories, three daughters, Kathy Gibson and husband Jim of Deep Creek Lake, Deborah Recker and husband Jim of Bethel Park, PA and Roberta McNamara and husband John of Frederick, MD; 8 grandchildren, Eric Recker and wife Jaimee, Todd Gibson and wife Michelle, Beau Gibson and wife Katie, Dustin Hurley and wife Kristen, Bryan Recker, Krista Hurley, Josh Recker and fiancAC.e Laura and Sean McNamara; 7 great grandchildren, Vava Recker, Ella Recker, Sophie Gibson, Mahlon Hurley, Leo Recker, Clark Gibson, and Cameron Hurley; and many, many, loving friends and family members. Friends will be received at the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., 21 N 2nd St., Oakland, on Thursday October 29th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 12 PM. Interment will follow in the Garrett County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Hospice of Garrett County, PO Box 271, Oakland, MD 21550.

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