Mary Ellen (Dalton) Wygant

Mary Ellen (Dalton) Wygant passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2024 at the age of 89, surrounded by family. She was born on August 19, 1934 in Erie, PA. She spent her whole life there, building a beautiful life with her adoring husband, Richard, who she met at Academy High School (graduating class of 1952) and married on August 31, 1957. They spent over 70 years loving each other deeply, and building a family that Mary Ellen was so proud of. 

Mary Ellen held many jobs over the course of her life,but retired as a Bookkeeper with American Meter in 1998 after 10 years. She was an active and faithful member of St. Luke’s Church and could often be seen and heard on Sundays singing along with the songs. Mary Ellen had a wide community of friends that she made through her involvement in the Erie Maennerchor Auxiliary, the Eastside YMCA, and of course, her true love, playing bridge. She was often busy with her many bridge clubs, attending water aerobics classes, and having breakfast with her Sacred Heart graduating class on Saturdays. She also loved to travel, and took many trips together with Richard, friends and family, always making some new friends along the way. Mary Ellen will be remembered as an incredible mother and grandmother, with the biggest heart. She cared so much for her children and grandchildren, doing everything she could to take care of them at every possible moment. Her strength and her faith helped to lead her family through some very difficult times with a grace that was awe-inspiring.  She was so funny, so smart, and so beautiful, both inside and out, and will be missed dearly.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Wygant; her sons, Michael and Christopher Wygant; mother and father, Edward and Marie Dalton; in-laws, Robert and Delma Wygant; sister, Dolores “Dodie” Gallagher; brother, James Edward Dalton, as well as brothers-in-law, Jack Gallagher and Bob Reinwald.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Wygant Cabell of Erie; her granddaughters, Meghan Cabell of New Jersey and Sarah Cabell of Erie; her sisters, Margaret “Lani” Reinwald and Joan O’Connor; sister-in-law, Joanie Herzog (Jerry) of California, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Friends may call at St. Luke’s Church, 421 E. 38th St, Erie, PA 16504, on Saturday, February 10, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 AM with Rev. John Malthaner officiating. Inurnment will be immediately following at Mary Queen of Peace Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either St. Luke’s Church or the charity of your choosing. 

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross rd., Erie, PA 16510.