Diane E. Grzelak

With great sadness we announce the passing of our mom, Diane Grzelak. Following a recent stroke, Diane died peacefully at UPMC Hamot on January 3, 2025, surrounded by her daughters. Diane had an infectious smile that would light up a room, creating a festive atmosphere. She was a fabulous cook, she made many delicious meals over the years, especially on the holidays. She loved to entertain, always making things extra special by paying attention to fine details. Diane enjoyed talking with people whether it be old friends or new. She opened up her home to anyone who would stop for a visit always making them feel welcome. When meeting someone new, she would enjoy conversation with them, always trying to make a connection. Her time in the classroom gave her the opportunity to express her passion for creativity through sewing, teach lessons of life, and share her inspiration with many. 

Diane was born on August 30, 1944 in Erie to the late Donald and Dorothy Shea Zimmerman. After graduating from Lawrence Park High School, Diane earned her degree in secondary education home economics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she was a Phi Mu. This was the start of her long and beloved career in teaching. After college, she taught briefly at Wattsburg High School. She taught the remainder of her career at Millcreek Township School District. In Millcreek, she taught home economics, coached cheerleading squads, helped establish the School House Craft Fair at MIHS, and helped organized the annual McDowell school golf outing. 

After retirement, she spent her time with family and friends golfing, traveling, entertaining, and dining with friends. She enjoyed trips to Hilton Head Island SC, Ireland, Amsterdam, Florida, and the Finger Lakes, to name a few. The trip to Amsterdam was particularly special because it was her last complete family trip. 

Diane was an active member of Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, Erie Elks Auxiliary, an investment club, golf leagues, The Women’s Cub of Erie, a wine club, and she recently joined The Welcome Club of Erie. 

Diane is preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Ed Grzelak; her daughter and son-in-law, Steve and Penny Grzelak Reeves; and her brother-in-law, David Grzelak. 

Diane is survived by her daughters: Pamela (Mark) Kuhar of Erie, Paula (John) Cathone of Scarsdale NY, Paige (Dan Estrada) Grzelak of Washington D.C.; her grandchildren: David, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Katie Kuhar, Greyson Reeves, Piper and Pari Estrada. She is further survived by her sister-in-law Diane Grzelak of Chicago, and sister-in-law Linda (Rick) Graziani of Erie; nephew Michael Grzelak, nieces Kristen Pecar McGill and Meghan Dwyer, several great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. 

Friends are invited to call at Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th on Thursday, January 9th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church on Friday January 10th at 11:00 am, with an online streaming opportunity at www.saintpatrickparisherie.org Click livestream mass. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery. 

We ask that memorials be made to: Pennys for Heaven. Pennys for Heaven is a scholarship fund at Penn State established in memory of Diane’s daughter, Penny. 

Checks should be made payable to The Pennsylvania State University with “Penny’s from Heaven” in the memo line and mail to: Annual Giving, 329 Innovation Boulevard, Suite 210, State College, PA 16803.

Online gifts can be made at: raise.psu.edu/ReevesAward