Obituary of Elizabeth Mary Grodi

Elizabeth “Bessie” Mary Labardee was born on March 24, 1925 in Monroe, Michigan. She was the oldest of four children born from the union of her parents: the late Tobias Labardee and the late Mary (Mominee) Labardee. She received her education from Monroe High School and graduated with the class of 1943.

She met and married the love of her life, LaVern Grodi on January 18, 1947 at St. Joseph Church in Erie. Together they raised their five children to the best of their ability, always teaching them the standard principles of life. She worked hard to support them by working on the family farm: Grodi’s Farming Greenhouse.

She had a wonderful way of making those around her feel loved. She was good at giving advice and her council was timeless and cherished by those closest to her. She was a person who actively gave respect and was treated with it, as well. Known by many as “The Boss” she loved to give orders and be in control. She loved to garden and enjoyed being outdoors. Her honesty, sound advice and great company will be missed greatly and there will forever be a void in the hearts of her friends and family.

Bessie Grodi, age 93, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo. Her passing is preceded by her husband LaVern Grodi, her daughter: Kathleen Grodi; her brothers: Duff Labardee, John Labardee and Harvey Labardee.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her children: Doug (Lillian) Grodi, Rodney T. (Renee) Grodi, Karen (Kevin) Kopefer and Diane (the late Richard) Welch; her grandchildren: Susan, Benjamin, Joanna, Heather, Kris, Kurt, Kyle, Kory, Kate, Kent, Kim, Keith, Richard, Joy, Tim and Eric; 18 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.

Friends may gather on Monday, May 21, 2018 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 14567 South Dixie Highway, (734) 241-7070. She will lie in state at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at St. Joseph Church in Erie, 2214 Manhattan Street, until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am to be officiated by Father David Cybulski. Immediately following the service, burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Erie.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.