Laura E. Sullivan Dipanfilo

Laura E. Sullivan DiPanfilo

Laura E. Sullivan DiPanfilo, 90, of Erie, passed away peacefully at her residence surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. She was born on June 21, 1931 in Markleysburg, PA, a daughter of the late Dorsey and Grace Glisan Sullivan.

Laura was raised in Markleysburg, PA, and graduated from nearby Uniontown High School. After moving to Erie, she met and married her beloved husband of 66 years Michael A. DiPanfilo, who passed away exactly 4 years ago on November 16, 2017. Laura retired after 25 years as the Christmas Seals Campaign Director for the American Lung Association of Erie. She also owned her own store for several years, Heaven Sent Gifts, in the former Erie Central Mall.

Laura enjoyed crafts, knitting, crocheting, and shopping. However, her true passion was spending time with and showering love upon her family. She never passed up the chance to babysit and willingly devoted her time without hesitation. She also rarely missed the opportunity to support and cheer on one of her grandchildren at their sporting events or activities, it seemed she had endless energy to give. Her family will also never forget that Thursday was sauce and meatball night, both freely given to anyone who showed up with an empty container! She was an inspiration to all that knew her, and she lived her faith by loving through actions.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael A. DiPanfilo; her brother, Jack Sullivan; her sisters, Vesta Dennis and Betty Tallentire; and her great-granddaughter Meghan Tirak.

She is survived by her two loving children, daughter Mary Sandra Grychowski (Rick), and son Michael A. DiPanfilo (Colette); brothers Robert Sullivan (June), Ray Sullivan (Judy), and Ron Sullivan (Shara); grandchildren Christopher Grychowski, Heather Tirak (Greg), Richard Grychowski (Christine), Michelle Bruschi (Christopher), Laurie Bowers (Michael), Antoni Grychowski, and Nicole Penpek (Nicholas); and great-grandchildren, Emily, Libby, Abigail, Anna, Natalie, Michael, Alyssa, Grace, Andrew, Scott, Christopher, Henry, and Maryn. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Linda Sullivan, Carol DiPanfilo, and Kitty DiPanfilo, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26th Street, on Monday November 22, 2021 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass there at 11:00 A.M. Private entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery. The John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, Erie, 16502, is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 West 26th Street, Erie, PA 16508.