Lavina Dressler "Tootie" Schlaufman

Lavina "Tootie" Dressler Schlaufman, 90, formerly of 929 W. 33rd St., Erie, died Monday, November 8, 2010, at Sarah Reed Retirement Center. She was born August 15, 1920, in Erie, daughter of the late Cyrus Charles "Jack" Dressler and the late Josephine Kondradt Dressler Burdick.

A Lifelong resident, she graduated from Academy High School in 1939 and worked as a shift foreman for Bliley Electric for ten years and as a buyer for Trask's Department Store for 15 years, retiring in 1977.

A lifelong and very active member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Mrs. Schlaufman served several terms as president of Church Council, served on the building committee during the construction of the Parish Center, was a charter member and past president of the Ruth Guild, started the archives of the church, taught Sunday School, and was awarded the honor of "Women of the Year". She was also a life member and past president of Perry School PTA, member and past president of the Village at Luther Square Auxiliary, served on the Board of Directors of the Village at Luther Square, and was a charter member of Daughters of the Nile.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Alfred Schlaufman, on September 2, 2010; and a brother, Richard M. Dressler.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Schlaufman and wife, Rosalie, and Robert Schlaufman and wife, Bonnie, all of Erie; a brother, Charles Dressler, and wife, Margaret, of Erie; three grandchildren, Kevin Schlaufman of Santa Cruz, Calif., Erick Schlaufman and wife, Jennifer, of Landsdale, Pa., and Andrea Schlaufman of Erie; a great-granddaughter, Maya Schlaufman, of Landsdale, Pa.; a sister-in-law, Lillian Dressler, of Erie; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

The family wishes to offer a special thank you to the staff of Sarah Reed Retirement Center for the excellent care and compassion shown to Tootie during her time there.

Friends may call Thursday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home. A service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St., Friday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Richard K. Schultz officiating.

Burial will be at Erie Cemetery.

Published in the Erie Times-News on November 10, 2010.