Shirlee Polanski

Shirlee Polanski, age 76, of Millcreek, passed away Sunday June 16, 2013 surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home.

She was born in Erie on September 27, 1936, daughter of the late Arthur E. and Amelia Battaglia Sardini. She was a 1954 graduate of Villa Maria Academy. Shirlee was the secretary at Mt. Calvary School for over 30 years and since her retirement has been an office assistant at Nerthling’s Heating and Air Conditioning .

She was a member of the St. George Catholic Church for many years and participated in the Hearts to God Prayer Group. She was a long time member and very active in the Italian American Women’s Association.

Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren.

Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years Raymond D. Polanski Sr. in 2001; and a granddaughter Sara Surges in 1994.

She is survived by her children Mark S. Polanski (Kelly) of Erie; Raymond D. Polanski Jr. (Darlene) all of Erie; Mary Jo Surges (Joe) of Portland, Maine; and Christine M. Nerthling (Dave) of Fairview and 10 grandchildren Jonathan Polanski (Heather)and Laura Polanski of Erie; Kelsey Szparaga of Erie, Katie Surges of Chicago; Meghan Surges of Portland; Aaron Polanski of Pittsburgh; Carl, Shawn, Tyler and Scott Nerthling all of Fairview. She is also survived by a brother Arthur Sardini (Ceal) and a sister Julie Heintzel (Tom) both of Erie and many nieces and nephews. She was anticipating the birth of her first great-grandchild in December.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.) on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. All are invited to prayers there on Friday at 9:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Catholic Church 5145 Peach Street Erie PA 16509 with Rev. Michael Polinek presiding. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Italian American Women’s Association 4619 Upland Drive Erie PA 16509, Catholic Charities 329 West 10th Street Erie PA 16502 or American Cancer Society 2115 West 38th Street Erie PA 16508.