Rebecca Ann Lelar, 32, nurse who worked with the homeless

By Robert Moran, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: July 07, 2012

Rebecca Ann Lelar, 32, a nurse who worked with people in Philadelphia who struggled with mental illness and chronic homelessness, died Sunday, July 1, in her Germantown apartment.

Her family believes she died of a heart attack, said Brynn Scriber, 31, a colleague and close friend. Jeff Moran, a spokesman for the city Medical Examiner's Office, said Thursday that the cause of death was pending.

Miss Lelar worked for the nonprofit Pathways to Housing, which provides housing and services for people who have lived on the streets and have had mental-health problems.

"She was a fiercely loyal friend," Scriber said, "and her compassion and love poured out into the lives she touched."

Miss Lelar worked with clients in the office, during home visits, and sometimes on the street or under a bridge, said Scriber, a manager at the Philadelphia nonprofit.

Scriber called Miss Lelar her best friend. They took a vacation together in January to Aruba. Miss Lelar enjoyed traveling and had visited Italy and Ireland. She was a Civil War buff and visited battlefield sites.

Miss Lelar was born and raised in the Philadelphia area. She graduated in 1998 from Springfield High School in Montgomery County and later got her registered nursing license from Delaware County Community College.

Miss Lelar is survived by her parents, Dale and Judy, and an aunt.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 9, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard, 107 S. 17th Ave., Coatesville, followed by a funeral.

Donations may be made to Camilla Hall, 1145 W. King Rd., Malvern, Pa. 19355.

Contact Robert Moran

at 215-854-5983 or bmoran@phillynews.com,

or follow on Twitter @RobertMoran215.

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