Faye Neilly Renz

Faye Neilly Renz, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 13, 2026, at Juniper Village in Forest Hills, PA.  

She was born on September 1, 1931, in Peoli, OH, a daughter of Emmet and Mary Wyrick. The oldest of four children, Faye learned a strong work ethic on the family farm, naturally leading her 3 younger siblings and setting an example of responsibility, determination, and independence from an early age.  

Faye pursued a life defined by curiosity and learning. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Mount Union College, she headed west to the University of Southern California, where she earned her Laboratory Technician degree and worked in a hospital for two years.  

Her college boyfriend, Harry Neilly of Oakmont, PA, proposed, and they were married on January 30, 1955 in Alliance, OH. After their wedding, they moved to Pittsburgh, where Harry took over his family business, Neilly Canvas Goods Company. Together they were blessed with four sons: Alvin "Les", Andrew "Drew", Adam, and Alec.  After the untimely death of Harry in 1976, with resilience and resolve, Faye stepped in to lead the business, successfully running it for many years while raising her four boys.  

Faye was a devoted member of Beulah Presbyterian Church where she met and married Charlie Renz, who added Curtis, Jo Ellen, Jeff, Jenny, and Katie to create a blended family.  

Music was one of Faye's lifelong passions. She loved classical music, and her talent and dedication were evident in her nearly five decades of performance with the Edgewood Symphony, where she played violin for 49 years. Music remained a source of joy, connection, and identity throughout her life.  

Faye's positive spirit and intellectual curiosity always kept people on their toes.  Her insatiable desire to learn and discover new ideas and information was infectious.  This was especially evident in her travels to Germany, China, Greece, France, England, and Russia, as well as in the enthusiasm she brought to every visit with friends and family.  

Later in life, Faye became affectionately known as the "Mayor" of her retirement communities - a title she earned naturally. She could talk to anyone, make friends everywhere she went, and had a gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and heard. Her warmth, wit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on all who crossed her path.  

Most importantly, Faye was an inspiration to her family and to all who knew her. Her fortitude could not be measured. Every day of her life - through good times and challenges alike - she showed up with grace, humor, and an unwavering ability to bring joy and laughter to those around her.  

There is a special place in heaven for the mother of four boys.  

Faye was the loving mother of Les (Dawn) Neilly of Hilton Head, SC, Drew (Julie) Neilly of Murrysvillle, PA, Adam (Meredyth) Neilly of Richmond, VA, and Alec (Christi) Neilly of Villanova, PA.  

Faye was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  

Faye is also survived by her sister, Neva Winter, of Morganton, NC.  

Services private. Memorial donations can be made to: Edgewood Symphony Orchestra, 120 E. Swissvale Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15218, or Peoli Cemetery Association, 75485 Peoli Road, Port Washington OH 43837.