Erika Rapela

Erika M. Rapela age 77, of Millcreek, passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at UPMC Hamot.

She was born in Erie on September 4, 1945, a daughter of the late Harry and Elsie Slusalek Giese.

Erika was a 1963 graduate of McDowell High School and went on to graduate from the Hamot School of Nursing.

She had a fulfilling 38 year career as a Registered Nurse at Hamot Hospital.

Erika was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she volunteered for many groups and projects.

Erika was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great grandma. She was very active with her kid’s activities, always chaperoning trips and volunteering at the school's library and special functions.  She loved holidays and especially decorating for them and made sure to send a card to her grandchildren for every occasion. She was an excellent shopper and loved a good bargain. She was always up for a shopping mission, successfully finding anything her family was looking for. Erika enjoyed being outside doing yardwork, riding the lawnmower and reading a good book. She loved the changing four seasons in Erie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Edward J. Giese.

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Paul Rapela; four children, Erin Rapela Harper and her husband Kevin of Erie, Brian Rapela and his wife Melissa of California, Mari Rapela Heidt and her husband Larry of Pikesville, MD and Paul Rapela and his wife Sue of Northeast; 10 grandchildren, Josh Heidt (Jackie), Rien Heidt, Sarah Hughes (Patrick), Victoria Kelly (Tom), Annabelle Kardos (CJ), Joe Rapela, Erika Harper, Jaden Harper, Melody Rapela and Hudson Rapela; 5 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26^th Street on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to a service on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church 2216 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16502. Burial will be private in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Project Dignity 2216 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16502.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.