Erla Jean Heisey Broich, 85, of Mountville passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017. She was born in Lancaster on September 28, 1931, daughter of the late John K. Heisey and Esther Hable Heisey Stoudt. She was the wife of the late Joseph W. Broich who preceded her in death in 2008 after 57 years of marriage. Erla was a 1949 graduate of Columbia High School and continued to be very active in planning her class reunions until September of 2015. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church since 1950.
In her earlier years, she worked for the Lancaster newspaper office in the accounting department from 1960 to 1972. She resided most of her years in Mountville Boro, serving as Boro Secretary and Treasurer from 1973-1980. She also was a life member of the Mountville Fire Company Auxiliary. From 1980 until 2012, she spent her winters in Lake Wales, FL. During the winter months there, she was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and served as president and treasurer of Saddlebag Lake Resort Women’s Club for 10 years. Many stories were shared by Erla of her travels to all of the fifty states and also several European countries. Erla had a very giving nature and was known for her many crafts and needleworks given to family and organizations to help those less fortunate. Being a great cook, it was an honor to receive a special edition of the Erla Broich cookbook which she published in 2002 with the help of her husband, Joe.
Erla is survived by one son: Thomas (Joy) Broich, Manheim. Two grandchildren: Mac Broich, St. Albans, VT; and Pamela Gunzenhauser, East Petersburg. Two step-grandchildren: Michelle Gadoua, Red Lion; and Darrin Haley, Web City, MO. Five great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren. One brother: John (Nancy) Heisey, Denver. One sister: Phyllis Miller, Columbia. One step-sister: Bobbie Reeder, Florida. Sister-in-law: Doris Heisey, Mountville. Numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Heisey.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Anne’s Retirement Community for the care and support given to Erla during her stay.
Erla was loved and will be missed by many.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 409 Cherry Street, Columbia, PA 17512 on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Paul Schenck, celebrant. Final Commendation and Farewell will be next to her husband Joe in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Mountville, on Monday from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. (with the Rosary being recited at 7:30 P.M.) and also on Tuesday, at the church from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. The family requests that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made in Erla’s memory to: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, or Hospice and Community Care. To send an on condolence, visit the condolence page.