Gretchen T. Prozan

Gretchen T. Prozan (82) of Millcreek township, passed away on Thursday November 27, 2025, after a long and fruitful life. She was born in Erie on May 27, 1943, the daughter of the late Edwin and Edith Theobald. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Judith Theobald Cipriani.

Upon graduating from East High School, she worked as a teller at Marine Bank, where she met Doug, her future husband. Their private joke was, “I met her paying off my student loan, which has long since been paid, but she’s still taking my money”.

Together they had two daughters: Victoria Lynn Prozan-Roller (Frederick) of Mount Horeb, WI and Amy Elizabeth Prozan-Brett (Peter) of Philadelphia, PA.

Possessing artistic talent led her to Interior Decorating and Design where she operated Prozan’s Fine Furniture for many years. With her talent and love of sewing, she produced quilts and needlework which are cherished by her many friends. In addition, for many years she displayed a variety of arts and crafts at local craft shows.

Noticed by Holland America Cruise Lines for her talent, she was selected to teach Arts & Crafts on their world cruises. In retirement, with Doug as her assistant, she was able to make friends from all over the world, with the bonus of missing eight years of Erie winters! Together they visited over one hundred countries and all the continents and were awarded membership in the Travelers Century Club, reserved for those reaching that uncommon goal. Gretchen often had over one hundred students in her classes making them among the most popular entertainment offered by the cruise line. At the end of each of the eight cruises, she presented an Arts & Craft Show which highlighted her students’ work. She took great joy in seeing them praised by over a thousand passengers for their previously unknown abilities.

She was a board member of Florence Crittenton Society for many years and was a person of faith. As such, she was an active member of Holy Cross Church in Fairview where she served on the Liturgy Committee, RCIA, and as a Eucharistic Minister.

The family would like to thank members of Hospice; Renee, Alyse, Katie, Brianna, David and Jessilka. Also, Latisha, Brianna, Cassie, Tyeisha, Nina, Chanel, Yamuna, and Rona of Sarah Reed Senior Living for the attention given to Gretchen. You are underappreciated but will never be forgotten.

In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her brother-in-law John Cipriani, nieces Laura Cipriani (Kirk) Rothrock, Karen Cipriani (Larry) Correll, nephew David Cipriani (Mary), as well as: sister-in-law Gail Hart (Vincent), and cousin, Paul Jenkins (Kathy).

Friends and family are invited to call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc. West Ridge at 3801 West 26th Street on Friday Dec. 5, from 1pm until the time of service at 3pm. Burial will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.