Shirley Laufenberg

Shirley Robertson Laufenberg age 85, of Erie, and formerly of Edinboro, died peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2014.

She was born in Erie on December 26, 1928, a daughter of the late Janet (Storrey) and David Robertson.

She was raised in Erie and graduated from Academy High School in 1946. She married Norman J. Laufenberg on March 18, 1950, and they eventually settled in Kearsarge where they raised their family.

She had worked at GE and had been the President of the Kearsarge Elementary School PTA.

Shirley enjoyed music and loved to sing. She sang for many years with the Presque Isle Chapter of the Sweet Adelines. She was also a member of the Betsy Ross Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and had served as Worthy Matron for several years. She enjoyed traveling and crocheting and made numerous afghans for family and friends over the years.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Norman J. Laufenberg in 1999, a son, Richard J. Laufenberg in 2008, and two sisters, Marion Tate and Janet Sprague.

She is survived by her twin sons, Daryl Laufenberg and his wife Mary Jo of Erie and their sons, Bryan, Robert and Michael, Duane Laufenberg of Pittsburgh and his children, Parker (Becky) and Vanessa; a daughter Beth Klauk and her husband David of Edinboro and her children, Heather (Mark) Schoenberger of Madison, NJ and Dylan Morgan. She is further survived by five great grandchildren, Addy, Emily, Rylee Jo, Jocelyn and Benjamin; daughter in law, Valerie Laufenberg of Northeast; a brother, David Robertson and his wife Doreen and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Shirley was a kind and caring woman and was happiest when her whole family was together. She was the family poet and could always be counted on to write a poem for special occasions. The family wants to thank her friends who have provided her with lifelong joy, laughter and memories, especially her “singing buddies” Anne Nelson, Bernie Helmer and Shirley Kenney, and her surviving “card club girls” who have been together for almost 70 years, Nancy Greene, Doris Dresbach and Shirley Lawson.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 E. 11th St. Erie, PA 16503.