Ann “Annie” Masengarb Rieker, 52
March 8, 1972 - August 26, 2024
Ann “Annie” Masengarb Rieker, 52, of Lancaster, PA passed away August 26, 2024, surrounded by family and friends after a year-plus long battle with ovarian cancer. Born and raised in Lancaster, Annie was the daughter of Paul “Bill” Masengarb and Linda Donaldson Masengarb. She was married to David “Matt” Rieker for 28 years.
Annie was a 1990 graduate of Manheim Township High School and after one year at The University of Georgia, went on to earn degrees from The University of Maryland, The Pennsylvania State University, and Millersville University. She was a long-time employee of the Lancaster-Lebanon IU13, where she was highly regarded as a deep thinker and thoughtful leader. She had a passion for helping children and always thought of others before herself. She gained her zest for life, persistence, and tenacity from her parents, often quoting Linda’s catch phrase: “Make it fit!”
Born March 8, 1972, Annie survived an attempt by her 3-year-old brother Mike to stop her crying by stuffing cotton balls into her mouth! Fortunately, the two of them went on to become not just siblings but great friends, just as their parents predicted they would during many of their childhood fights. Annie’s life was a series of fun adventures joined by an always growing group of supporters from high school, college, Detroit, and Lancaster. Her life-long besties, Julie Mundorf Boldizar, Molly Courter Ericson, and Laura Strickler, were with Annie on her last day and all mournfully acknowledged that “There will never be another Annie.” Annie cherished the time she was able to gain over the past year catching up with old friends like John and Trina Oynoian, Jim and Jenn Lehman, Matt McClintock, and the many members of their social club, Friends & Travelers. Annie’s favorite vacation spots included Holden Beach, NC; Smith Mountain Lake, VA, and “floating” in North East, MD with the Bergers.
Her greatest love of all was her husband Matt and their two children, Emma and Michael, both of whom inherited Annie’s love of life and friends. Annie was the ultimate helicopter Mom in the most loving way, wanting nothing but the best for her kids and was so incredibly proud of the young adults they are now and the people they will become. She is also survived by her brother, Michael Masengarb; in-laws, David Rieker and Mary Allison; aunt and uncle, Julie and Tim Jenkins; sisters-in-law, Kristen Masengarb and Jennifer Rieker; and nieces and nephews, Isabelle Masengarb, Madeline Masengarb, Molly Rieker, and Cole Rieker. Husband Matt has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and support in recent days from so many friends and loved ones, but he’s not surprised because Annie always had a knack for making everyone feel special and equally important to her. She always believed the more the merrier.
After an inauspicious athletic career of her own in softball and field hockey, Annie developed a passion for youth sports through her husband Matt, brother Mike, and father Bill. She was watching the Little League World Series and The Big 10 network in the hospital before her passing. Annie was a cheerleader at Manheim Township and the Class of 1990’s Homecoming Queen. Some of Annie’s favorite sports memories included a trip to Cooperstown with the Mountville Indians and Hempfield Baseball and Basketball games with her fellow “basketball b*****s”, including Kym Calabretta, Amy Hester, and Rhiannon Levan. She also loved her Penn State Nittany Lions, often traveling to home and away football games with her family and making many fond memories in Happy Valley and around the Big Ten.
A special thank you for the professional care and advocacy from the team at the Barshinger Cancer Center and Lancaster General Hospital, especially Dr. Bethany Bustamante for her incredible bedside manner, and Annie’s friends Lisa Rodenberger and Reverend Elizabeth Shuba, who added their personal touch to her final days.
There’s no replacing someone like Annie but she will be remembered and honored this fall for perhaps the first ever End-of-Life Celebration & Penn State White Out Tailgate Party, at a date and location to be determined by the family. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to Pitties.Love.Peace rescue in Elizabethtown.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
September 03, 2024
Michael and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know what a special person she was. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers! – Coach Rayha
September 03, 2024
We are shocked and so sad to see of Ann’s passing. Our condolences to you, Matt, Emma & Michael.
Your “old” neighbors on Woodridge,
Kathy & Jeff Kauffman
September 03, 2024
Our hearts go out to you, Matt, Emma and Michael. Ann was just a delight to be around-so enthusiastic and supportive of her family- always planning fun and enriching ways to build community and to advocate for and support others. She shines on in in each of you
– Viki and Henry Yaeger
September 02, 2024
I am very sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. Deepest condolences to Matt, their kids and the whole family. Our prayers are with you all.Colin McKee
September 01, 2024
I was so very sad to learn of Annie’s passing from one of the few Manheim Township friends I have kept in touch with over the years, and am absolutely heartbroken for Matt and their kids. Our paths crossed at MT as well as Highland Presby, and she was always a kind loving soul. Despite the sense of grief in losing someone like Annie, is was so heartening to read her tribute and know how deeply she was loved and how she touched the lives of so many. Sending my heartfelt condolences and virtual hugs to Matt, their kids, and all of their friends and family. -Will Musser
September 01, 2024
Matt, we are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn’t know Annie well, we grieve for you and your children in the loss of such a wonderful wife and mother.
Larry and Carol Woods
September 01, 2024
Beautiful smile Beautiful soul
Doris Vanzandt
September 01, 2024
Beautiful in every way and always a smile! Matt, Emma and Michael I hope you remember her for her BEST days and smile because it all happened! Holding all who loved her in prayer for comfort in the days ahead.
Kelley Kirsch
September 01, 2024
I met Annie when we were in kindergarten together at Brecht Elementary School. Growing up, she was always kind, and indeed one of a kind in so many ways. I was shocked to hear of her passing. That she continued to spread kindness, and touch so many, is no surprise. My deepest condolences to Matt and your family on your profound loss. Steve Brody
September 01, 2024
Annie was an amazing person inside and out! She had the biggest smile and brought so much joy whenever she was around. To Matt, Michael and Emma: I am so sorry for your loss and am thinking of you all. It was so evident how much Annie loved you all! I know she was proud of each and every one of you. Love you all!
August 31, 2024
I cheered with Annie at Township. She was always so sweet, kind and bubbly. Annie had the most beautiful smile. I will always have the most fond memories of the great times we had cheering together.
My deepest condolences to Matt, Emma, and Michael.
August 31, 2024
We were blessed to meet Ann and Matt when our son, Owen, played with Michael on the Indians team. So many wonderful memories at Cooperstown and beyond. Ann had a positive energy and made everyone around her feel welcomed and appreciated. Ann was just fun and loving. Our heart breaks for her entire family.
August 31, 2024
Matt, I remember so many athletic games we attended to watch the girls cheer. Annie was always so upbeat. She will be missed by many. You and your children are in my thoughts. I should tell you I am Nichele’s Mother, Chris’s Mother in law.
August 31, 2024
Annie was strong and had a heart of gold. i’m lucky to have known her.
August 31, 2024
I knew Ann as the parent of a child I evaluated, as a coworker, and as my supervisor. She was amazing at all of these roles! I’m so thankful to have known her and experience her awesome ways of caring for everyone around her. She will always be an example to “liive up to” in my eyes. Prayers for peace and comfort for her family and all of us who will always carry Ann in our hearts.
Blessings, Beth
August 31, 2024
Ann was such an incredible co-worker and supervisor who will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
August 31, 2024
Ann was a mentor to many at LLIU13. Her kind and generous spirit was contagious. She will be dearly missed. Love and prayers to Ann’s family and friends.With my deepest sympathy, Jill Gerhart
August 31, 2024
Matt –
My heart aches for you and the kids and the Masengarbs – Annie was the most loving human ever – always a kind and truly concerning word for many who had the chance to meet her. I wish I had known of her struggle sooner – I would have cleaned the house! Much love to you – I can’t even begin to say anything to make you hurt less – Gretchen
August 31, 2024
Beautiful inside and out. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her without a smile.
August 31, 2024
I’m so grateful to have known Ann. She was a passionate leader in the world of Special Education, and someone to look up to. My sincerest condolences to the family. God bless.
August 30, 2024
She was such an amazing human and I’m so glad to have gotten the chance to know her. Sending prayers and love to all. Juliet Ashton-Luckey
August 30, 2024
Ann was my supervisor at the IU13 for many years. She was such a wonderful person & loved by everyone. So very sorry to hear of her passing. ❤️❤️🙏 Monica Wehrer
August 30, 2024
We are so sorry for your loss. Ours prayers are with you.
Rob and Laura Meisl
