Doris Heard

Doris Steff Heard age 87, of Fairview, passed away Sunday, August 7, 2014 at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born in Erie on November 9. 1926, a daughter of the late George and Grace Sill Steff.

Doris graduated from Strong Vincent High School and went on to work at Erie Resistor and Trask/ Carlisle’s Department Store.

She was very active in the Shriners with her husband Ralph, and was a member of the Erie Yacht Club and the Erie Maennerchor Club.

Doris enjoyed shopping, animals of all kinds and family get-togethers especially around the holidays.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Heard; four brothers, Carl, Richard, Gilbert and Shad Steff, and three sister in laws, Christine, Gladys and Lillian Steff.

She is survived by three daughters, Gail Panella, Cheryl Nyberg-Holden, and Susan Heard Spear and her husband Dick; grandson, Ryan Panella; a granddaughter Shannon; a sister in law, Marty Steff, and her primary care giver and guardian angel, Lori Ferguson. She is further survived by many step grandchildren, step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family would like to give a special thank you to Lakeland Hospice for the excellent care and support they gave.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children 1645 W. 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505, Erie Humane Society 2407 Zimmerly Rd., Erie, PA 16506, or to the ANNA Shelter 1555 E. 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511.