Laurel Lincoln Rider

Laurel Lincoln Rider, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Laurel was born in Erie, PA on December 13, 1933, to Nina Soloway Lincoln and Barney Lincoln.

Laurel met her soulmate and love of her life, Irwin Rider, at Sunday School while in the 6th grade. Following high school graduation, Laurel and Irwin married and the young newlyweds moved to State College, PA while Irwin pursued his degree and Laurel was a stay-at-home mom with their son, Barry. After returning to Erie, Laurel and Irwin became young entrepreneurs and started Rider Office Supply, later named Seaway Stationers. After the birth of daughter, Cathy, Laurel worked from home caring for their children and performing bookkeeping duties for their business. Laurel dove headfirst into hobbies and interests including car rallying with the Misery Bay Region car club, volunteering for the American Cancer Society, collecting Civil War memorabilia and attending shows, collecting antiques and caring for the myriads of lost and homeless animals that always found her.

Laurel was an incredibly strong woman whose love of family, friends and faith helped her battle the many health issues she encountered throughout her life. She was committed to her synagogue, Brith Sholom Congregation, where she held many positions including Executive Vice President, Co-chairman of the Rabbinic Installation Committee, Bingo Chaiman, Sunday School Teacher, Brith Sholom Sisterhood and Hadassah member, caterer and cook for numerous events and was a recipient of the Woman of Valor award. 

In addition to her parents, Laurel was predeceased by her husband, Irwin, brother, Howard Lincoln and son, Barry.

Laurel is survived by daughter, Cathy Woldanski, son-in-law, Stan Woldanski and grandson, Brett, of Richmond, VA, with whom she lived after the passing of Irwin; niece, Samantha Lincoln (Scott Gezymalla), nephews, Jeremy Lincoln (Elizabeth) and Andrew Lincoln (Amanda) and several cousins. 

Friends may attend a 2:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Inc. Downtown, 602 W 10th St., in Erie. Burial will follow at C.B.S. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brith Sholom Congregation, 3207 State St., Erie, PA 16508 and to Hanover Humane Society, 12190 Washington Highway, Ashland, VA 23005.