Dolores M. Justka Karle, 82, of Erie, passed away peaceably at home, October 24, 2009, with her family close by. She was born in Erie on September 2, 1927, the daughter of the late Edward and Ethel Krainski Justka.

"Dorie," as she preferred to be called, was a remarkable woman. She was a survivor who battled with cancer for 28 years. She was a 1945 graduate of East High School and of St. Francis School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. She was employed as a registered nurse for many years at Saint Vincent Health Center, retiring in 1989. She was a great team leader who cared about her patients; everybody liked working with her. She was a long-time member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. She loved needlework, crafts, gardening, crossword puzzles and Scrabble. She was an avid member of Nautilus for many years.

She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gertrude Justka Kempisty and Alice Justka Bules; a brother, Raymond Justka; her parents-in-law, Harry and Freida Karle; and a sister in law, Arlene Karle. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Harold A. Karle; two daughters, Barbara Rutigliano, husband, Joseph, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, and Laurie Hilyer and her close friend, Dennis Fabrizi, of Erie; two grandchildren, Julie Hilyer and Joe Rutigliano; and several nieces and nephews.

No calling hours will be observed. Friends may attend a Memorial Mass on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1553 E. Grandview Blvd., at 1 p.m. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Great Lakes Hospice, 1700 Peach St., Erie, PA 16502 or to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 1553 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16510. Arrangements by A. Brugger & Sons Funeral Home, LLP, 845 E, 38 St. .