Gladys Purvis

Gladys “Arlene” Purvis, of Evans City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the age of 91, to join her beloved husband, Archie, on their next great adventure.

Arlene was the woman behind the man and the glue that held the large, rambunctious Purvis family together. She loved nothing more than hosting family gatherings, both big and small, always cooking enough delicious food to feed an army. Arlene shared her recipes and love of all things food with her children, grandchildren, and anyone who had the desire to learn. For the past 47 years, Arlene and Archie made their home on the Cooper family farm in Forward Township; the perfect location for growing and preserving nourishing food with plenty of room for people, pets, and fun. She was also a member of St. Peter’s Reformed Church and A Circle of Friends Choir.

Arlene was the daughter of Melvin and Gladys Cooper Bonzo of Evans City. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Zimmerman (Kenneth) of Harrisburg; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Bonzo; and brother-in-law, Richard Gosnell; her six children, Robert Jr. (Debbie) of Worden, Mont., Vicki Smith (David) of Homer City, Pa., Samuel (Paula) of Evans City, Timothy of Cody, Wyo., Beverly Purvis of Cody, Wyo., and Jennifer Bowers (James) of Evans City. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arlene was also blessed to have a number of lifelong friendships.

Purvis — Those who knew and loved Gladys “Arlene” Purvis who died Saturday, July 3, 2021, will understand it was her desire for there to be no viewing or services upon her passing. Instead, she invites all her family and friends to celebrate her life at an old-fashioned picnic, held at the farm, later in the summer.

Anyone wishing to honor the life and legacy of Arlene is asked to make a memorial donation to Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford, Concordia Lutheran Ministries Online Giving Portal (qgiv.com), or to the Evans City Public Library.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Boylan Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Connoquenessing Twp., 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com