Margaret Reichel

Margaret Rose Kubiak Reichel, 83, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at her home. She was born in Erie August 19, 1931, the youngest of nine children born to the late Andrew and Julia Wielechowska Kubiak.

Marge was a proud member of the Academy High School Class of 1949, working on many reunion committees though the years; she also attended Bowling Green State University. In addition to working as a model, she was a secretary in her early years at a variety of local businesses, including Kaiser Aluminum, then worked at Saint Vincent Health Center information desk after raising her three children.

She was a member of Saint Peter Cathedral and former member of the Polish Women’s Alliance. She cherished her Polish heritage which is memorialized by a holy water font in the vestibule of Holy Trinity Church commemorating her First Holy Communion. She was active in the Erie County Dental Auxiliary serving as President in 1969, Cleft Palate Association and many school and sports related committees in support of her children’s activities. Marge was also recognized for 25 years of volunteer service at St Vincent.

Always a hostess, anyone who was a guest in Marge’s home appreciated her warm and welcoming nature. She was gracious and genuine to all. Her delicious cooking was a centerpiece at gatherings of family and friends. Memories she created over many years of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day celebrations carried over to the summer months with reunions, hat parties and luaus hosted in her beautiful yard and garden. She loved to dance and socialize and was so fun to be around. Marge had impeccable style and a flair for decorating. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, fashion and boating. Her husband named four boats “Margo” after her and they spent many years with family and friends on the water. Marge was devoted to her extended family and her role as mother and grandmother are what fulfilled her the most. She will be remembered for her gentle and loving nature, strength and grace.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Richard L. Reichel, five brothers: Harry, Louie, Joe, Eddie and Henry, three sisters: Baby Jane, Theresa Merski and Mary Ann Miller. She is survived by her three children Dr. Richard L Reichel, II, wife Sharon, of Erie, Lisa Louis, husband Mark, of Fairview and Megan Last, husband Dan, of Westlake, Ohio; and six grandchildren Maddy and Jayne Reichel of Erie, and Maggie, Brigid, Glenn and Graham Louis of Fairview.

The family would like to thank the team of exceptional caregivers whose loving and compassionate care of Marge is appreciated beyond words. Thank you Beth, David, Denise, Elaine, Jeannie, Karen, Liz, Lucy and Teresa.

Family and friends may call at Burton Funeral Home 602 West 10th Street on Sunday from 2-5 and 7-9pm, rosary prayers at 6:45pm. On Monday October 27, 2014, family and friends are invited to attend a prayer service at the funeral home at 9:45am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St, Erie, PA 16501 at 10:30am with Very Rev. John J. Detisch, V.F. officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery alongside her husband.

Memorials may be made to the Saint Vincent Foundation, 232 W. 25th St., Erie, PA 16544 or St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., Erie, PA 16501.