Barbara J. Presta

Barbara Jean (Weber) Presta, age 81, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 surrounded by family and memories of the unconditional love she gave them.
Barb was born in Erie on April 8, 1942, the oldest of four children of the late Joseph A. and Alice Joe (Morton) Weber. She graduated from McDowell High School and worked in various administrative roles in insurance offices, banks and at Presta Contractor Supply.
In 1964, "Barbie" agreed to marry her high school sweetheart, Louis J. Presta, and their life together began. They built a home, a family and a successful business, and for 52 years until Lou passed in 2017, each was the other's true north.
Barb was a patient and gentle mom to her two children, son Tim and daughter Marcie, who credit her with the quiet wisdom and support that shaped their childhood. Son-in-law Harry was a second son to Barb for over 30 years, and grandchildren Mackenzie, Evan, Anthony and Cecelia were a source of unabashed pride to Grandma Barbie.
Barb had a quick mind and was in charge of balancing the books, business and personal. She enjoyed the theater, was an avid bargain shopper, beautifully decorated for every season, and never wrote less than fifteen "XOXOs" at the bottom of any card. Through the years, some of her favorite companions were the family's toy poodles, who knew a good thing when they saw it and stuck by her side.
A wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt and a trusted friend, Barb was -- without exception -- kind to all. She had a wide, sunny smile and a faith in the goodness of others. She simply saw the best in us.
In her last years, Barb needed the help of others, and in her last months, she lived with Marcie, Harry, Anthony and Cecelia. There are not enough words to thank them for their compassionate care of Barb. They demonstrated the very grace that defined Barb herself.
In addition to her parents, Barb was preceded in death by her husband Lou and siblings Robert Weber, Joanne Amann and Kathleen Kearns. Barb is survived by her son Tim and his wife Lisa; daughter Marcie and her husband Harry; grandchildren Mackenzie and Evan Presta, and Anthony and Cecelia Morgan; brothers-in-law Bill Amann and Vic Kraus; sisters-in-law Carol Weber, and Teresa Greco and her husband Michael; many beloved nieces and nephews; and, several close friends.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street, this Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and may attend a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th Street, this Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, 1600 Peninsula Drive, Suite 15, Erie, PA 16505, to the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, PA 16506, or to ProMedica Hospice, 719 Indiana Drive, Erie, PA 16505.
Condolences may be expressed at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.