Barbara Gaeckle

Barbara J. Gaeckle age 88, of Erie, passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Walnut Creek Heath and Rehab Center.

She was born on November 10, 1934, a daughter of the late Joseph G. and Jeannette I. Weber Bruce.

Barbara attended St. Joseph’s Grade School, Academy High School and graduated from Millcreek High School in 1953.

She loved gardening and her “green thumb” was evident with beautiful flowers growing in her yard. Barbara enjoyed fishing, swimming, sewing, dancing and taking care of her home and family which always included her dogs and cats.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, where she did volunteer work. Barbara worked at the Good Samaritan Store and loved gardening and watching birds.

She was a volunteer firefighter and was named “Firefighter of the Year”, was a HAZMAT Member and President of the Ladies Auxiliary.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John Sokolowski; second husband, Paul G. Gaeckle; a son, Bruce T. Sokolowski; brother, Joseph Bruce, Jr. and a nephew, David B. Mullen.

She is survived by her son, John Sokolowski, Jr. of Visalia, CA; step-son, Doug Gaeckle (Maria) of Erie; sister, Cathy A. Mullen (Gary) of Clearfield, PA and a sister-in-law, Wilda Bruce of Erie. She is further survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26th Street on Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Bread of Life Church 147 W. 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502. Burial to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 147 W. 24th Street, Erie, PA 16502.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.