daily obituaries Erie PA

September 26 2010

Previous Day's Obituaries...

Patricia A. Becker
Patricia A. Becker age 58, of Erie, went to be with the Lord on September 23, 2010, at her home. She was born in Erie on November 3, 1951 a daughter of Betty Szymanowski Becker of Erie and the late Richard W. Becker. Patricia was a graduate of Villa Maria Academy High School and was Salutatorian of her class. She was employed as a secretary to the administration at St. Vincent Health Center for seven years, PNC bank for 28 years, and MacDonald, Illig, Jones and Britton for eight years, both in Human Resources. She was dearly loved by her family. She liked to travel, shop, and loved her cats. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister Diane Becker Eisert and her fiancé, Ron Miller, Sr. and a nephew Eric W. Eisert all of Erie; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Services were held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St., Erie. Memorials may be made to John Kanzius Cancer Research Fund, 130 West 8th St., Erie, PA, 16501, or Erie Humane Society, 2407 Interchange Rd., Erie, PA 16506, or Grace of Calvary Baptist Church, 5542 Perry Hwy., Erie, PA 16509. .

Neva C. Chismar
Neva C. Chismar, 93, of Guys Mills, died Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Meadville Medical Center. She was born in Bloomsbury, N.J. August 16, 1917, a daughter of Joseph and Jessie Beck Cousins. She married Frank W. Chismar August 16, 1938 and he preceded her in death July 6, 1999. Neva was a homemaker, avid reader and member of Blooming Valley United Methodist Church. Survivors include a son, Frank W. Chismar, Jr. and his wife Donna of Guys Mills with whom she resided; two daughters, Neva Wilson and her husband Charles of Houston, Texas and Kathy Chismar of Morgantown, W.Va.; a sister, Helen Bishop of Hermitage; six grandchildren, Frank Chismar, III, John Chismar, Gregory Chismar and his wife Gina, Douglas Chismar and his wife Roxanne, Jessica Eldred, and Michele Widdowson and her husband Rodney; 13 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Eleanor Chismar; five brothers, James, Joseph, Richard, William, and Albert Cousins; and two sisters, Jessie Newberry and Dorothy Cousins. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville. The funeral service will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Blooming Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Blooming Valley United Methodist Church, 24740 State St., Meadville, PA 16335 or to an animal charity of the donor's choice.

Mary Elizabeth Christenson
Mary Elizabeth Christenson, age 74, of Millcreek Twp, died Friday, September 24, 2010 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on April 20, 1936, the daughter of the late Louis S. and Mary Elizabeth Smith Stephany. She was a graduate of Mercyhurst College where she received a degree in Sociology. She was employed for one year at Catholic Charities and five years as an Erie Co. probation officer. She had been a member of Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church since 1961 and was active in the Rosary Altar Society, Parish Council, Confraternity of Christian Mothers, and served as a Eucharistic minister. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Duane "Skip" D. Christenson, one daughter, Lisa Filipski (Michael) of Millcreek, two sons, David Christenson (Robyn), of Seattle, Wash., Douglas Christenson (Vera) of Great Falls, Va., eight grandchildren: Ian, Sean, Kendall, Devin, Lauren, and Pierce Christenson and Ryan and Jenna Filipski, one brother, Louis Stephany (Carol) of Pittsburgh., and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited there Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. for prayers, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace at 10:30 a.m. Private entombment at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to the staff and nurses at the Regional Cancer Center and the Metropolitan Hospice of Erie for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Peace R. C. Church, 2401 W. 38th St., Erie, PA 16506 or the charity of one's choice.

Gale W. Cook
Reverend Gale W. Cook, age 91, of Ft. Myers, Florida, formerly of Erie, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Gulf Coast Medical Center. He was born August 21, 1919 in Youngstown, Ohio, son of the late Winfield and Mary Bavard Cook. Rev. Cook had been a minister with The Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church. He was raised in Kane, Pa. and graduated from Kane High School in 1937. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army Air Force, serving as pilot in WW II in the Southwest Pacific, Philippines, Korea and Japan. While in the service he married Beatrice Koebley of Warren, Pa. He graduated from Asbury College in 1950 and Asbury Theological Seminary in 1953. He pastored churches in Falconer and Celeron, N.Y., Sharon, Pa. and Erie, Pa. For six years prior to moving to Florida, he was Minister of Visitation at the Christ United Methodist Church in Erie. While living in Ft. Myers, Rev. Cook served as Minister of Visitation at First UMC and as Coordinator of weekly religious services at his senior apartment complex in Ft. Myers. Gale was predeceased by his wife, Beatrice; his daughter, Mary Lynne Cook; his brother, Neil Cook and his sister, Cleo Musanti. Surviving him are two daughters, Rev. Toni Cook and Cathy Cook both of Denver, Colo.; one son, James Michael Cook (Sherry) of New Brighton, Minn.; four grandchildren, Sarah Cook-Scalise, Joshua, Brittney and Jennifer Cook, his longtime friend, Selmajane Stuchel, and nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Service at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home, 4216 Sterrettania Road on Saturday, October 2 at 2 p.m. Erie Crawford County Veterans Burial Detail will render honors at the interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association . - Great PA chapter, 1128 State St., Suite 301, Erie, PA 16501. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.

Robert Cottrell
Robert Cottrell, age 79, of Harborcreek Twp., passed away, Friday, September 24, 2010 at Presque Isle Rehab & Nursing Center. Arrangements will be announced in the Wednesday edition of the Erie Times-News by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road.

Mary Letoha Daub
Mary Letoha Daub, 95, of Erie passed away at Pleasant Ridge Manor East on September 25, 2010. She was born on November 28, 1916 in Youngstown, Ohio, daughter of the late Anthony and Marcella (Cytolan) Letoha. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harry Daub, five brothers, and one sister. Survivors include a sister Irene Kondzielski of Waterford, Pa., caring nephew Flory Kondzielski of Waterford, Pa., nephews Fr. Thad Kondzielski of Crossingville, Pa., Anthony Kondzielski (Linda) of Waterford, Pa., Donald Kondzielski (Betty) of Va., Christopher Kondzielski (Alice) of Venango, and Ronald Stone (Beverly) of N.C., nieces, Monica Jensen of Fla., Kimberly Mook (James) of Tenn., Jo Ann Ellis (Robert) and a sister-in-law, Florence Daub. Also survived by several great nieces and nephews in Youngstown, Ohio and several great-great nieces and nephews. The family would like to express there thanks to the loving and caring staff at Pleasant Ridge Manor East. Relatives and friends may call at the Edward J. Garr Funeral Home, 459 East 12th Street, Erie, PA 16503, Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00 p.m. officiated by Fr. Thad Kondzielski. Private burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Pleasant Ridge Manor East, 4528 Lake Pleasant Road, Erie, PA 16504.

Dolores Wisniewski Eddy
Dolores Wisniewski Eddy age 78, of Millcreek, passed away peacefully Friday, September 24, 2010 into the presence of her Lord, Jesus Christ at her residence, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 3, 1932 in Erie, the daughter of the late Edward A. and Harriet Fletcher Wisniewski. She was a graduate of Millcreek High School. Dolores was employed by Erie Resister and General Electric in her early years, following that she lovingly made a home for her family. She was an avid camper and enjoyed bowling and music. She was affiliated with the Millcreek Chorus and was a member of First Alliance Church. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ben W. Eddy; a son Joseph Lee Eddy; a daughter Donna Marie Bartoo and her husband Thomas all of Erie; a brother Edward Wisniewski and his wife Joan of Glen Burnie, Md. ; a sister Barbara Hriscko and her husband Ed of Erie; four grandsons: Aaron (Abby) Travis of Massillon, Ohio and Joel (Jaimie) Travis of Russell, Pa., Justin and Anthony Bartoo, both of Erie; three great grandchildren: Kacey, Lillie, and Amelia Travis; especially close niece, Tina Simko and her son, Jarret, as well as several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th St. Erie (at Powell Ave.) on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. and are invited to attend services there on Tuesday 10 a.m., with Rev. David Snyder officiating. Burial in Erie Country Memorial Gardens. Memorial may be made to John Kanzius Research Foundation, 130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501. .

Sandra K. Hennigh
Sandra K. Hennigh, 64, of Lake Road, Centerville, Pa. (Canadohta Lake), went to be with her Lord Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at her residence. Mrs. Hennigh was born May 29, 1946 in Titusville, Pa., daughter of the late Warren and Ethel Nason Brown. She was raised and educated in Rome Township and later in Spartansburg where she graduated from Spartansburg High School in 1964. Mrs. Hennigh had worked at Sylvania in Pleasantville prior to her marriage and following the birth of her children, she stayed home to raise and care for them. In addition, she co-owned Hennigh's in Spartansburg with her husband. Her hobbies included reading and listening to southern gospel music. She enjoyed visiting with her friends, spending time with her family and she especially enjoyed shopping for her grandchildren. Besides her parents, Mrs. Hennigh was preceded in death by a son, Bradley Hennigh on Nov. 26, 1984. She is survived by her husband, Ronald W. Hennigh, whom she married August 13, 1966 in Spartansburg. Mrs. Hennigh is also survived by her mother-in-law, Bernetta Hennigh of Corry; four sons, Gregory Hennigh and his wife, Stacy of Spartansburg, Steven Hennigh of Arlington, Va., Jeffrey Hennigh and his wife, Beatrice of Anderson, S.C. and Thomas Hennigh and his wife, Amy of Centerville; a foster son, Lloyd "Fred" Eckert and his wife, Moe of Corry; three brothers, Warren Brown and his wife, Rhonda of Lake Orion, Mich., Clair Brown and his companion, Diane Abrams of Titusville and Ronald Brown of Centerville and by eight grandchildren, Gregory Jr., Samantha, Hudson, Evan, Ava and Brianna Hennigh and Justice and Dallten Brown. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Friends may call at the Valley View Mennonite Church in Spartansburg on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a funeral service there on Tuesday at 11 a.m. Pastor Rob Esh will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Spartansburg. Memorials may be made to the Life Building Ministries, P.O. Box 572, Cochranton PA, 16314 or to the Valley View Mennonite Church, 24313 State Hwy 89 & 77, Spartansburg, PA 16434. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Bracken Funeral Home, 211 Mechanic Street, Spartansburg, Pa.

Ernest "Ernie" Kuhn
Ernest "Ernie" Kuhn, age 81 of Conti Drive, Erie, passed away, Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Erie Presbyterian Lodge. His full obituary will appear later this week. Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St. Erie.

Lois Baker MacDonald
Lois Baker MacDonald, of Savannah, Ga., formally of Erie, Pennsylvania, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and North East, Pennsylvania, passed on September 15th at Hospice House in Savannah, Ga., at the age of 101. She was born in Erie on May 1, 1909 the daughter of the late William and Ida Loesel Baker. Mrs. MacDonald's career in the education field spans a total of 39 years. She was awarded her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French at Bucknell University, class of 1931. She taught in North East, Millcreek, Florida, and Lawrence Park. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant and served the Church as both a deacon and an elder. She was a member of the Retired Teacher Association and was on the Board of Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center. She was also a member of the Erie County Women's Club and the Phi Mu Sorority. Mrs. MacDonald was preceded in death by her parents,William Baker and Ida Loesel Baker, her sisters, Ruth Baker Johnstone, Catherine Baker, and brother, Frank Loesel Baker. Surviving is a daughter Sally Lou MacDonald Hammond of Savannah, Georgia, son-in-law Jack Hammond; two grandchildren, Alison Hammond McMahon (John) of Midlothian, Virginia, and Ashley Hammond Clarke (Hamish) of Brooklyn, New York. Four great-grandchildren, Alina and Luke McMahon and Maisie and Meridie Clarke also survive. Friends are invited to call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th Street, on Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 10 a.m. until the time of service there at 11 a.m., with the Reverend Dr. Dale E. Southorn officiating. Burial will be in Erie Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16503, in her name.

Frances J. Markham
RIPLEY - Remembering Frances J. Markham, Family and friends of Frances J. Markham, 87, who died in Florida on July 24, 2010, will gather to remember and celebrate her life on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. at Meeder's Restaurant, 19 E. Main St., Ripley, N.Y. Graveside service will follow immediately at the Quincy Rural Cemetery in Ripley.

Grace P. Payne
Grace P. Payne age 86, of Girard, died peacefully on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Pleasant Ridge Manor West where she has resided since June 2004. She was born May 16, 1924 in Indiana, Pa., a daughter of the late Ord O. & Myrtle Salsgiver Houck. Grace was a graduate of Indiana High School in 1942 being the first in her family to graduate High School. She was very proud of this achievement. She had been employed at various times throughout her life, finding the most satisfaction as a nurse's aide. She was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader and enjoyed being outdoors working in the garden. Grace loved her cats. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Richard Payne, her brothers, Ord Houck, Jr. and Willis Houck, and her sisters, Carribelle Faith and Dorothy Bostic. She is survived by her two daughters, Diane Breault of Fitchburg, Wis. and Debbie Pestridge and her husband Ray of Stillwater, Okla. She was a loving grandmother of six grandchildren, Richard Breault of Monroe Wis., Randi Breault of Charlotte N.C., Corinne Collins of Stillwater, Okla., Benjamin Pestridge of England and Courtney Hall of El Reno, Okla. She was a great-grandmother of 11; several nieces and nephews also survive. Friends may call at Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 W. 26th St., Erie, on Thursday from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 .m. and are invited services there on Friday at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Owen officiating. Burial in Girard Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater PA Chapter, 1128 State St., Erie, PA 16502. .

Edwin O. Riebel
EDINBORO - Edwin Otto Riebel, surrounded by love, died at his residence on September 21, 2010. Edwin was born to Otto and Anna Mae (Batz) Riebel on June 28, 1925. Shirley Jean Degenhardt became his wife on March 20, 1952, and they were happily married for 49 years. While working at J and L Steel, he attended night classes at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964, and a Master of Education degree in 1969. Ed taught pattern making at Connelly Vocational High School in Pittsburgh before being appointed Director of Lenape Vo-Tech in Ford City, Pa. Under his leadership, Lenape expanded its course offerings and enrollment increased from 330 to 500 students. Edwin retired as Director of Lenape in August, 1982. In 1998, Edwin and Shirley moved to Edinboro, where they became members of the Edinboro United Methodist Church. They were also members of the McKean Golden Agers and the Edinboro Seniors Group. Ed enjoyed the Silver Sneakers Program, where he had a captive audience for his joke telling. Thank-you, Dr. Laura, for laughing! He was also a member of the American Legion. Being a WW II veteran, and having a servant's heart, Ed volunteered every Wednesday at the VA hospital in Erie. Preceding Edwin in death were his parents and his sisters, Anna Mae Diehl and Ruth Tice; along with a brother, Albert Riebel. His loving wife, Shirley, died in 2001. He is survived by a daughter, Susan Turk, mother of Katelyn Landis, husband Kyle, and Jesse Turk; and a son, Mark E. Riebel, father of Nicholas and Anna Riebel. "Eddie Spaghetti" will be fondly missed by other surviving family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 2nd, in the Chapel at Jefferson Memorial Park, 401 Curry Hollow Rd., Pittsburgh, PA. A second memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 3rd, at the Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High St., Edinboro, Pa. Arrangements are entrusted to the Glunt Funeral Home, 210 Erie St., Edinboro, PA 16412. Memorials may be made to the Kanzius Research Foundation, 130 W. 8th St., Erie, PA 16501, or to Ascera Care Hospice, 1600 Peninsula Dr. # 14, Erie, PA 16505. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.

James M. Sajewski
James M. Sajewski, 54, of Erie, passed away Thursday, September 23rd after being stricken at work Wednesday. Born in Erie February 27, 1956, he was the son of the late Henry and Rita Duberow Sajewski. He graduated from Tech Memorial and earned a bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. He was a Senior Service Engineer at AMSCO/Steris Corp. with 30 years of service. Jim enjoyed working on a classic MGTF, sharing his love of model trains with nieces and nephews and traveling with his wife. He loved his pet Yorkie, Misha, whom he spoiled like a grandchild. Jim was an usher at St. Jude Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Theresa Machioch Sajewski; a brother, John Sajewski and a sister, Gail Whiteman. Surviving are his wife, Jackie M. Baker Sajewski, whom he married August 26, 2006; stepchildren, Patrick Bean, Austintown, Ohio; Shawn Bean, Erie; Kara Salina, husband Michael, Central, S.C.; a granddaughter, Elliana Salina; siblings, Mary Lee Sanders, husband Randell, Sonoma, Calif.; William Sajewski, wife Diane, Mercer, Pa.; Robert Sajewski, wife Cheri Mazzeo, Erie; Julie Sajewski, Novato, Calif., and Richard Sajewski, wife Robin, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th a Greengarden, Sunday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Prayers there Monday at 10:15 with a Funeral Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 2801 West 6th, at 11:00 o'clock. Interment at Calvary Cemetery.

Frank Sherman Jr.
Frank Sherman Jr. age 57, of Erie, died Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Snyder Memorial Health Care Center in Marionville, Pa. Arrangements are being handled by Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Inc., 602 West Tenth Street, Erie, Pa. 16502.

Sophia Turowski Shreve "Miss Ann" Sims
Sophia "Miss Ann" Turowski Shreve Sims, age 82, of Erie, passed away Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Golden Living Center. She was born in Erie on May 15, 1928, daughter of the late Frank and Mary Turowski. Sophia was previously affiliated with Immaculate Conception Church. She was a homemaker and had worked at Woolworth's and Bargain Barn prior to retirement. She enjoyed drawing, knitting, doing puzzles and reading. She is survived by four children, Phyllis Loper (Ralph), Patricia Houseal (Larry), David Shreve, and Jon M. Sims, Sr., all of Erie; one sister, Claire Szymanski of Erie; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Shreve; her second husband Joseph Sims; eight brothers and two sisters. No calling hours will be observed. A private service will be held by the family. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com.

Mark D. Thieman
Mark D. Thieman, age 52, of Erie passed away Thursday September 23, 2010 at his residence after a brief but valiant battle with lung cancer. Surrounded by the love of his family, he died as he lived, quietly and gently. Mark was born January 24, 1958 in Erie the son of the late George and Sophie Kala Thieman. He was a graduate of St. Andrew's grade school and Strong Vincent High School. Mark was employed by the city of Erie as a plant operator at the Waste Water Treatment plant for 33 years and was a member of Teamsters Local 397. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved his Harley. He also enjoyed fishing and camping with his family. Mark is survived by a brother Gergory (Dick) Thieman and his wife Mary of Erie and a sister Sharon Woznicki and her husband Gene of Cambridge Springs. He is the uncle of Todd and Kevin Thieman, and Scott and Michael Woznicki. A special Thank you to Tracy Travis from VNA Hospice and Sherrie Siegel from the Regional Cancer Center for their compassion and support in sending Mark home. Friends are invited to call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th & Liberty St. Monday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. and are invited to attend Funeral Services there Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501.

Gerald Edward Ulrich
Gerald Edward Ulrich, age 87, a lifelong Erie resident, died peacefully in the presence of his loving family Friday night. Calling hours will be announced by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th at Greengarden. Memorials to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

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