Lillian Louise Sirak Wurst

Lillian Louise Sirak Wurst Lillian Louise Sirak Wurst, age 69, of Erie, died Thursday, December 20, 2007 at Abington Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, of cancer, following a lengthy illness. Born in Erie on March 23, 1938, she was the daughter of John and Mary Csernyicky Sirak. She was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant where she served as an ordained Elder, an ordained Deacon, a Stephen Minister, led the Sanctuary Guild, served as a lay member of the Program Staff, chair of the Worship Committee, on the Personnel Function Group, and sang soprano for over 38 years in the Covenant Choir. Many sought her loving and wise counsel, and greatly depended on her generous acts of kindness and grace. She loved to visit people in hospitals and nursing homes. She also participated enthusiastically in Koinonia. A highly skilled seamstress, she participated in a variety of significant projects to enhance the worship at the church. She made numerous banners, altar cloths, other wall hangings, and many costumes. For many years she supervised the decoration of the church for holidays and special events. She served as a Wedding Coordinator, helping dozens of couples plan their weddings at the church. She also worked on a large number of kitchen projects, hosting many luncheons and dinners, as well as supervising the menus and preparation for the weekly Wednesday night church dinners. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, John and Joseph Sirak; and her sisters, Helen Lenze, Theresa Senger and Frances Kasmierski. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Calvin Charles Wurst whom she married on June 19, 1956; her son Neal (Holly) of Erie; her daughter Kathleen Self (Jeffrey) of Knoxville, Tenn. and her son, Jeffrey (Rebecca) of Panama City, Fla.; grandchildren, Erica and Cory Wurst, Jeremy and Samantha Self and Joshua Wurst. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Mary Arlt (Ray), Irene Opalenik and Betty Pacy (Edward); several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home, Inc., East, 2607 Buffalo Road on Sunday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant. The Rev. Stephen E. Morse, Parish Associate, will officiate. Interment will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sanctuary Restoration Capital Campaign Fund, First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 250 West 7th St., Erie, PA 16501. To send condolences, visit www.dusckasfuneralhome.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits