Virginia Noble

Virginia Bender Noble, 96, of Erie and formerly of Enfield Lane, died on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Sarah Reed Retirement Center.  She was born on August 24, 1919 in Erie, daughter of the late William K. and Ethel M. Dick Bender.  

A Lifelong resident of the Erie area, she graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1937 and attended Tech Art School, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, LaSalle School of Interior Design, and Villa Marie College.  She worked as a Commercial Interior Designer for Duggan Rider Co. for 20 years, retiring in 1981.  Mrs. Noble received the "Distinctive Pennsylvanian Award" through the Erie Businessmen's Association.  She was a lifelong artist and at the age of 92 was in a juried show.  Until the time of her death she was the oldest living member of Christ United Methodist Church.  She was a former member of the Association of Interior Designers and the Businessmen's Association of Erie.  Virginia always enjoyed going camping with her family, was an avid reader, and enjoyed playing Scrabble.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Harold F. "Jerry" Noble, Jr. in 2003, a daughter, Deborah Ann Bliley, and a brother, William Carl Bender.

Survivors include two daughters, Kathryn Marie Noble-Fraley and husband Michael and Lisa Mariam Barczynski and husband Peter, all of Erie; a son-in-law, Charles Bliley and wife Marilyn Swanson of Rochester, NY; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Waring and husband Michael of Rochester, NY and Michelle Graham and husband Jason of Houston, TX; two grandsons, Tom Bliley of Rochester, NY and Michael Barczynski of Erie; three great-granddaughters, Rachel Barczynski of Fairview and Cassandra Peterson and Mina Graham of Houston, TX; and two great-grandsons, Nathan and Adam Waring of Rochester, NY.  She is further survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins including her cousin Ronald Roberts and wife Sue of Phoenix, AZ.

Friends may call at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street, Tuesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.  A service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 W. 32nd Street, Wednesday at 11 a.m.  The Rev. Ronald Geisler will officiate.  Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 W. 32nd Street, Erie, PA 16506; or to a charity of donor's choice.