Erika Pelz Churan

Poland - Erika Pelz Churan, 80, died Saturday morning, February 3, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, with her family by her side.

Erika was born December 11, 1943 in Austria, a daughter of John and Theresa Schloter Pelz, and came to the United States as a child. 

Raised in Hillsville, PA, she was a 1962 graduate of Mohawk High School and received her Associate Degree in Business from Youngstown State University. She worked as a legal secretary for 10 years before becoming the secretary to the Executive Vice President of Jameson Memorial Hospital in New Castle, PA. She retired from the hospital after 40 years of dedicated service. 

In 1986, she married Michael Churan, and they made their home in Poland, Ohio. He preceded her in death in 1994. 

Erika was a member of the Croatian Club, SNPJ, and St. Luke Catholic Church, where she served as an Eucharistic minister. In her leisure time, she loved playing bingo, cards, and visiting Atlantic City to press her luck at the casinos. Erika especially adored her role as an aunt and took her nieces and nephews on many memorable vacations. Her family will lovingly remember her wonderful sense of humor and all the laughter and happiness she brought to their family.  

Erika is survived by her sister, Rose M. Stec of Poland; brother-in-law, Joseph Simeone of Poland; nephews and nieces, Steven Pelz, Michelle (Mark) Meanor, Cathy Meyer, Sonja (Darrin) Littleton, Andrew (Sherry) Pelz, and Krista (Brian) Leonard; great-nephews and great-nieces, Shane McCambridge, Courtney Bissell, Jenna Roberts, Tyler Miranda, John Pelz, and Sydney Littleton; and great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces, Jaxson, Andromeda, Olivia, Persephone, and Crue. 

In addition to her parents and husband, Erika was preceded in death by siblings, John Pelz and his wife Nancy, and Margaret Simeone; brother-in-law, John Stec; nephew-in-law, Harry Meyer; and  her special neighbor, Joey Lupo, whom she loved liked family.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 10-10:45 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 5235 South Ave., Boardman, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are by the Davidson-Becker Funeral Home. Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.