Theodora M. "Teddi" Rieck

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, aunt and dear friend Theodora (Teddi) Rieck.

On Thursday May 14, 2026 Teddi ended her life adventure and started her heavenly journey.

Mom was born on August 10, 1931 in Easton PA to the late Charles Karantonis and Mary (Mazza/Carman) Karantonis.

She attended St Bernard’s Elementary School and was in the last class to graduate from Easton Catholic High School Class of 1950. Churchman Business School guided her in her life of Bookkeeping.

Her work career started in Caldwell NJ working for Curtis Wright Corp as a Bookkeeper 1950-1953. She then moved back home and worked at Easton Laundry, again in Bookkeeping, 1953-1959. Here, she met Charlie Rieck of Riegelsville PA and was married in October 1958. After the birth of their first son, Charles (Chuck) in November 1959 they soon moved to Reading PA. In 1964 they welcomed their second child, Mark. Sadly, in 1966 Teddi became a single mother when a separation occurred in their marriage. The day after Chuck’s 6th birthday she started a 33-year career at ES Youse/APS/Big A Auto Parts first in downtown Reading then Lebanon PA when the office moved. Teddi learned to drive at 56 in order to keep her job in Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable/Payroll (for all the retail stores and office)/Office Manager. She was the first woman to receive the award for 25 years of service.

After retiring in 1999, Teddi began her Volunteering adventure. A longtime member of St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Reading she spent the next 20 years working in the office (bookkeeping, no less) and the Flea Markets. Berks Heims (10 years) volunteering coincided with her church gig as did her time assisting at Mary’s Shelter. Her monthly meetings at The Over-50-Club and Seniors Club of Laureldale were highlights, especially the bus trips. She loved attending her grandchildren’s multiple sporting events and it was a family affair when the boys’ dad or mom were coaching.

Teddi traveled the country visiting friends and family and favorites like Disneyworld and the Atlantic City boardwalk and beaches and later the casinos. She traveled the world via the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville, TN and the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, LA. As a child she spent the summers in NYC with her sister Roberta and the family would frequent Coney Island, NY.

Teddi lived in Reading for 45 years and Temple for 17 years and then one fateful day in Dec 2023 life dealt her a blow. At 92 she moved into Paramount Senior (Assisted) Living in Maytown (Lancaster County) PA where she enjoyed 3 cooked meals a day, 7 activities a day (Bingo being her favorite) and being 5 miles away from her son, Chuck and daughter-in-law Robin (Hoch).

At 94, another fateful day, sent her to Penn State Hospital Lancaster (2 weeks) then to Homestead Village (1 week) under Compassus Hospice Care.

Teddi’s immediate family also includes Kelly (Billman) Rieck married to Mark Rieck, who preceded Teddi in death in 2007, and their three children; Brandon (married to Marjorie Quiles) Rieck and her son Jace (Reading), Nicholas Rieck (Coconut Creek FL) and Joshua Rieck (Reading). Also, multiple nieces and nephews and their respective children.

She is also preceded in death by her former husband, Charlie Rieck, brother, Michael Carman, sister, Roberta (Carman) Gilmore and sister, Charlia (Karantonis) Ginople.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church 1018 North 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604 Saturday May 23, 2026 at 10:00 am. Reverend Monsignor John J. Grabish, Celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Chapel of Resurrection at Gethsemane Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home 1605 Rockland Street, Hampden Heights, Friday May 22, 2026 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:15 am to 9:45 am at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church at the above address in Teddi’s name. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com