Lena J. (Tankersley) Schnell, 53, of Boyertown

Lena J. (Tankersley) Schnell, 53, of Boyertown, wife of Robert Schnell, passed away on January 18, 2022 after a 2-year battle with cancer.

Born in Tampa, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Edward Tankersley and Beverly (Kinnard) Owens. As a young girl, Lena’s family then moved to Tennessee where she spent her childhood and high school years. After meeting her future husband Bob in 1988 in Murfreesboro, TN, she made the bold decision to move to Pennsylvania to start a life with him. Lena was a true animal lover and was involved with several animal rescues, always promoting animal adoption. Lena also became well known in her local area for boarding and lovingly caring for dogs for many families when they needed to get away for a long weekend or vacation. She was referred to by some as the dog-whisperer since she always created a unique bond with every dog in her care. Lena enjoyed many trips with family and their dogs to the Outer Banks, NC to savor the warm sun, beach, and wild horses. Lena also enjoyed gardening by growing and maintaining beautiful flowers and plants all summer long.

Lena is survived by her husband Bob of 24 years, her son Brandon Jones; sister Rose Tankersley; and grandchildren Kyleigh, Ashlyn Reese, and Presley Grace. Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her brother Edward Tankersley Jr., grandparents William and Rose Marie Kinnard, Richard and Stella Helton Tankersley and stepfather Carl Owens.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 11:00AM at Limerick Garden of Memories Good Shepherd Mausoleum, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick, PA, with visitation from 9:30AM to 10:45AM. Entombment will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lena’s name to the American Cancer Society and/or the Montgomery County SPCA.

Add My Condolences

Bob and family,
I am shocked and so sorry to hear of Lena’s passing. She was the only person I trusted to take care of my Hudson and she was his surrogate mother when we were away. He was even allowed to sleep in the bed with you both. That’s love. I will be forever grateful for the care she gave him and will keep you in my prayers. Rest easy, Lena and may you soar among the angels.
Rick and Sue Klipp

~ Sue Klipp Collegeville, PA
2/3/2022 11:40:09 AM

Words can’t express what Lena meant to me and my husband. She was the only person we felt comfortable leaving our dogs with. They are our children and they instantly fell in love with “Auntie Lena.” Ash and Allie will miss her. One of the best pictures I have of Ash was taken by Lena and she has a huge smile on her face. My heart is aching. May God wrap Bob and the rest of her family in His arms and give them strength. Lena was a very special person to so many.

~ Jess Red Hill, PA
1/31/2022 12:40:53 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. May God Bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time and ease your pain. God Bless

~ Tania Williams Goodlettsville, TN
1/31/2022 9:04:51 AM

My family and I send our sincere condolences. We were lucky to have found her to take care of our pet for the last few years. She will be missed.

~ Rachael Comer
1/26/2022 9:29:39 PM

So very sorry to hear this. Lena will be missed. Jules & Rocco will miss her and loved their time with her and how well she took care of them. So very sorry.

~ Tara Giunta
1/26/2022 4:46:32 PM

Bob and family, I am so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. You are in my thoughts.

~ Gary Spross Souderton, PA
1/25/2022 9:42:27 AM

Bob, we're very sorry to hear about Lena's passing, our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Don & Debbie

~ Don DelMar
1/25/2022 9:06:23 AM

Bob, our heart felt sorrows and sympathies for you and your loved ones at this time. Prayers and Love are surrounding you and Lena. Many blessings. From the Camut Family.

~ Michael Camut
1/25/2022 8:15:56 AM

Bob, I am so sorry to hear about your better half and for your loss. Will keep you and Lena in our prayers

~ Mike Dembowski
1/25/2022 1:04:15 AM

Bob, I am so sorry for your loss. Lena was a beautiful soul. She loved her dogs. Tisha always felt that that was her second home. We will miss her. You have to hold on to the beautiful memories that you shared.

~ Mary lou Klipp
1/24/2022 8:26:59 PM

Bob, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss! It's difficult to find words to adequately express what 24 years of marriage, friendship, love, and companionship have added to your life, but I know that the memories you've gained will not be lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I trust God will strengthen you in this time of grieving.

~ Eric Steffy
1/24/2022 4:40:36 PM

Thinking of you, in this difficult time. I wish you peace and comfort.

~ Dean Russ
1/24/2022 12:23:26 PM

I'm so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Please accept my condolences. Tom

~ Tom Schubert
1/24/2022 12:03:44 PM

My condolences to you and your family.

~ Scott
1/24/2022 11:55:32 AM

Bob, our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
The Grimaldi Family.

~ Giorgio Grimaldi Chalfont, PA
1/24/2022 11:54:07 AM

I’m so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

~ Jim Blackburn Columbus, OH
1/24/2022 11:52:44 AM

Bob, we are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. My condolences to you and family, peace be with you.

~ John Kober
1/24/2022 10:15:14 AM

Bob, I was very saddened to hear of your wife Lena's passing. May her everlasting memory bring you and all her loved ones comfort and please accept my condolences.

Sincerely,
Aram Bohdjelian

~ Aram Bohdjelian
1/24/2022 10:13:11 AM

Bob, our deepest condolences for the loss of Lena. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this incredibly difficult time.

~ Michael and Viviana Rafail Perkasie, PA
1/24/2022 10:12:09 AM

Bob, Sorry to hear about your loss. My sincere condolence to you and your family.

~ Ashita Gandevia
1/24/2022 10:09:06 AM

Bob, so very sorry for to hear about Lena's passing. We will be praying for you and your family!
Peace be with you!
Rick

~ Richard Caron Fort Mill, SC
1/24/2022 10:01:59 AM

I am so very sorry! Lena was a great person! My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends!

~ Lynette conquest
1/23/2022 7:20:29 PM

Bob , We are so sorry to hear about Lena’s passing . Lena loved our furry pets and took such good care of them when we went on vacation . We trusted her to love them as her own . Bailey and Jackson loved her very much . Peace be with you .

~ Beth and Tom swaintek
1/23/2022 2:36:09 PM

Bob, we are so sorry to hear about Lena. We had so many fun times with you guys. Please know you are in our prayers.

~ Kathy Lear and Joe Granieri Jim Thorpe, Pa
1/23/2022 12:54:00 PM

Bob and I were so saddened to hear this news. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.

~ Marty Gallagher Boyertown, PA
1/23/2022 10:58:27 AM

Bob So sorry to hear this news , our sincere condolences to you and your families

~ RG and Soe
1/23/2022 9:57:22 AM

Bob, this is so hard. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Yvonne and Rudy Pohl

~ Yvonnobne Pohl Zionsville, PA
1/22/2022 6:46:50 PM

Lena did much with her life and possessed a considerable degree of wisdom where things did not come easy and life presented many challenges. That alone can explain her deep compassion for living beings, human and animal.

~ Joseph Schnell Philadelphia, PA
1/22/2022 2:59:34 PM

Lena will be missed. Amazing niece. Loves very much.

~ Bill Kinnard
1/22/2022 11:20:59 AM

We were a dog boarding client and became a family friend. Lena was so kind to sit and talk to us after our vacations. Lena even came to my son's birthday party to fulfill my son's birthday wish to have Lacey at his party. Lena will be missed and we will miss all her love, kindness, compassion, and patience.

~ Townsends Sassamansville, PA
1/22/2022 9:23:15 AM

I need to be there she was joy when I was younger every year I looked for her to be here weather it was Christmas or summer visit she was my excitement for sooooo many years this loose is just as hard if not worse to me I need to get there some how please.

~ Daniel Tankersley Tullahoma, TN
1/22/2022 12:36:02 AM

Bob, we are very sorry for the loss of Lena - for you and the whole family members. Unvortunately we can't be there, but we are with you in our heart and thoughts.

~ Tante Hermi, Christl, Cola Dietersheim,
1/21/2022 3:50:34 PM

I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I’m so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

~ Craig Cipriano
1/21/2022 12:51:55 PM

Hi Bob, we are so sorry on your loss. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Georg and Renate

~ Georg Pohl and Family
1/21/2022 11:00:10 AM

So sorry to hear about Lena. Too young to be taken. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ John, Jen, Becca and Jack Pohl
1/21/2022 10:39:45 AM

So sorry to hear about Lena’s passing. May she Rest In Peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers.??

~ The Sommers Family
1/21/2022 8:43:58 AM

Dear Bob, we are very sad to hear that Lena died. She still is watching from heaven. Big hug and kiss from Germany Sabrina with Family and Gabi Schell with family

~ Sabrina Batke
1/21/2022 8:01:33 AM

You will be in our hearts forever. So, sorry for your loss.

~ Paul and PJ Serge North Wales, PA
1/21/2022 3:35:17 AM

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family

~ Elizabeth Birgel Pohl Bensalem, PA
1/20/2022 11:08:00 PM

So sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayer

~ Veronika Pohl
1/20/2022 10:03:58 PM

We are so very sorry for your incredible loss and are sending our deepest thoughts and prayers for you during this difficult time.

~ Ibarra family
1/20/2022 9:33:38 PM