Dorothy Diana Walkiewicz

Dorothy Diana "Diane" Bielski Walkiewicz, age 66, of Erie, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, September 21, 2013 after the most courageous fight against cancer. She was born in Erie on April 2, 1947, daughter of Dorothy Strycharz Bielski and the late Bernard "Benji" Bielski.

Diane graduated from St. James Grade School and St. Benedict's Academy not only with an education, but also with some of the best friends she could ever ask for. She worked at Erie Technological before her most rewarding job of being a mother. She raised her girls with so much love and caring that it overflowed to all their friends while growing up. She always knew how to make anyone feel welcome and part of her family. She will be remembered for always making cakes for the girls to take to school for birthdays, holidays and sometimes just because. Diane also worked at the St. James Rectory, and volunteered at the St. James Festival for many years. She was a lifelong member of St. James R.C. Church and a member of the American Legion Post #571. Diane enjoyed many things in life, but she treasured each moment spent with her grandchildren.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Bernard Bielski; brother, Dennis Bielski; parents-in-law, Walter and Josephine "Busia" Walkiewicz; and brothers-in-law, John Walkiewicz and Leonard Walkiewicz. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy Bielski; her loving husband of 42 years, Ronald Walkiewicz; two children, Wendy Snyder and her husband David, and Jennifer Wernicki and her husband Joseph; grandchildren, Cody Burkett, Garrett Burkett, Ryann Wernicki and Emma Snyder all of Erie; uncle, John Strycharz of Trenton, NJ, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Schneidmiller and husband Donald of Erie, Marcia Eller and husband Lawrence of St. Louis, MO, and Mary Walkiewicz of Reno, NV; dear friends, Nancy Forish, Nikki Beightol and Debbie Zmyewski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Diane's family would like to acknowledge the extraordinary care she received by Dr. Michael Vogelbaum, Dr. Patrick Ma and Dr. Samuel Chao at the Cleveland Clinic and locally by Dr. Conrad Stachelek, and Dr. Jan Rothman at The Regional Cancer Center. The family would also like to especially thank Dr. Cecilia Urquico, Dr. Anthony Letizio and Jodi Vargo, RN, for "caring too much" and going above and beyond in taking care of Diane in her times of need. Your kindnesses will never be forgotten and you have truly earned a place in our hearts. Thank you for being her angels here on earth!

Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a Prayer Service there on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. James R.C. Church. Interment will follow at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to John Kanzius Cancer Research 130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501 or St. James Parish, 2635 Buffalo Rd., Erie, PA 16510.