A Life of Friends, Family, and Education
Elizabeth “Betty” Schessler, age 78, of Erie, PA, died peacefully September 25, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital. Born in Erie on August 11, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Margaret Zimmerman.
After graduating from St. Benedict’s Academy, Betty pursued a BA in Elementary Education at Mercyhurst College. She and her husband, Peter Schessler, met at the Boston Store where Betty worked during college and Peter attended Gannon University. Meeting “Under the Clock” led to 54 years of marriage and beautiful Erie memories. Betty and Peter were married at St. George Roman Catholic Church in Erie, where they participated in many church events and programs throughout their married life.
She began her teaching career at West Springfield Elementary School and continued to teach at Mount Calvary and St. George Catholic Schools. Her interest in science later led her to create programs for the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and participate in the PA Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) programs for students. She received her MA in Education from Edinboro University. In addition to science education, Betty was actively involved in Girl Scouts, played piano and guitar, and organized school musical productions and plays.
Betty also had a passion for travel, accumulating many boating adventures with her family on Lake Erie, the Erie Barge Canal, the Hudson River, and the Intercoastal Waterway. Always dear to heart, she loved reading, fostering her Scottish heritage, and creating wonderful family gatherings that always included so many neighbors and friends.
In addition to her husband, Peter, she is survived by a daughter, Heather Hill, husband John, of Baltimore, MD; a son, Gregory Schessler, wife Jennifer, of Stow, OH; five grandchildren, Emily Hill, Charlie Hill, Margaret Schessler, Emma Schessler, and Ian Schessler; a brother, Stephen Zimmerman, wife Sally, of Akron, OH; a sister, Margery Taylor, husband Dan, of Erie; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren, and cousins.
Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes and Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. at Greengarden Blvd in Erie from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30th. A Roman Catholic Mass will be held at St. George Roman Catholic Church, 5145 Peach St. on Thursday, October 1, at 11 a.m. Burial at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. George Church or to the charity of personal choice. Condolences may be made at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com or sign the guestbook at www.goerie.com/obits.
Posted online on September 28, 2026
Published in Erie Times-News