Laraine E. Stewart

Laraine Eloise Huffman Stewart, 84, of Erie, passed away on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, at her residence after a long illness, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on July 7, 1942, in Sewickley, PA to Donald Thomas Huffman and Rosemary Shappo. Laraine moved with her grandmother to Erie in 1952 and graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1960. Laraine married Donald Alious Stewart in Ripley, NY on September 9, 1960, and proceeded to raise four independent, strong women.

Laraine began her career of service by volunteering with the Erie Community Relations Committee. Then was hired at GECAC working in the Head Start program. Laraine earned her B.S. in social working/ gerontology at Mercyhurst while transitioning to the Aging Program at GECAC. After relocating to the Phoenix, AZ area, Laraine earned her master’s degree in healthcare management and began the final phase of her career as CFO with the Arizona Agency on Aging, where she worked for more than 20 years, retiring in 2014.

Laraine was very civil minded, volunteering her time with local PBS stations in Erie (WQLN) and Phoenix (KAET), volunteering at United Methodist Homeless shelters with time and philanthropy.

Laraine was a fierce defender and supporter of those she loved and thrived in the chaos of family birthdays, holidays, and at weekend card parties playing Pinochle or Spades. She especially enjoyed being with her granddaughters and great-granddaughters, who were her heart.

Laraine was proceeded in death by her parents and the father of her children. She is survived by her four daughters, Jean Marie, Margaret Ann (Sandra), Vianna Laraine, Mona Lynn (Shelly); granddaughters, Melanie Marie and Jamie Lynn; great-granddaughters, Ariana Laraine and Samantha Jean. She is also survived by brothers, G. Robert Huffman (Carol), of Newtown, PA, and Norm Katz of Chandler, AZ, and their families.

The family would like to thank UPMC Hospice of Erie for the wonderful care they provided our mother during her illness and the support they provided us during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc., 602 W. 10th St., Erie, PA 16502 on Sunday, November 1st at 1 PM.

Laraine led by example, the importance of acceptance, equality, and love for all. Her family will be proud to carry on this tradition and belief.