(May 22, 1929 - June 15, 2011)

Mrs. Philomena J. "Phil" (Karpa) Erbe, age 82, of Phillips Street Coaldale, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at Maple Shade in Nesquehoning, surrounded by her children.

Philomena, retired from AT&T having worked 22 yrs., in the purchasing Dept. at the Allentown, campus.

A former member of SS. Cyril Methodius R.C.C. of Coaldale, where she was an active member of the choir, she now belonged to St. Jerome R.C.C. of Tamaqua.

A devoted grandmother who cherished the opportunity to babysit her grandchildren, she also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and gardening.

Born in Coaldale, she was the daughter of the late Joseph, and Maryann (Wienisewski) Karpa.

She is survived by her two Daughters, Kathryn M (Erbe) Lech wife of Charlie of Harrisburg, Pamela E. (Erbe) Kulick wife of John of West Penn Twp.;

One Son, Michael J. Erbe of Coaldale;

Two Sisters, Leocodia "Lottie" (Karpa) Matsago of Tuscarora, Jean (Karpa) Sutkowski wife of John of Clevland, Ohio;

Two Brothers, Bernard and Leonard Karpa both of Coaldale;

Eight grandchildren, John, Jacob, Joel, Jerry, Jeffrey, Jordan, Daniella, and Brittany; One great-grandchild, Maiya;

Preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Leroy Erbe on Feb. 18, 2009; sister, Isadora "Kay" Karpa; brother, Zigmund Karpa.

Arrangements are being handled by E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home, Inc., 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pa., where the family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday, June 17, 2011 and from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM Saturday, June 18, 2011.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Jerome R.C.C. at 11 o'clock AM Saturday, June 18, 2011, Rev. James Bechtel to officiate.

Interment, Sky View Memorial Park in Tamaqua, Pa.

Memorials in her care to St. Jerome R.C.C., 266 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, Pa. 18252

Online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com