Leona Marie Pietrzak Pettinato Have you ever met someone who changed everyone’s life she touched for the better? Leona Marie Pettinato was just that person, always a welcome smile and a warm heart. Leona M. Pettinato, age 89, of Erie, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2022 after a brief illness. Leona was born in Erie on July 1, 1932, to the late Stanley and Clara (Bukowski) Pietrzak. After Leona graduated from Academy H.S. in 1950, she went on to marry Joseph Pettinato. Joseph and Leona were happily married for 41 years before Leona suddenly lost her partner in 1993. Leona was a founding member of Our Lady of Peace Church and started the school library there. While working as the librarian for 40 wonderful years, Leona followed the paths of all daughters and grandchildren who attended school on campus. In 2006, Leona retired and spent her time taking care of her first great-grandchild, Ella. She also enjoyed cooking, eating sweets, reading, playing bingo, and spending time with family and friends. All who knew her were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Leona during her 89 years, among them: work hard and do your best, always have faith, never go to bed angry, you are more important than you realize, and food will always bring a family together. Leona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph Pettinato, and her brother Robert Pietrzak. She is survived by her daughters: Donna Pettinato, Janice Reichard, Lori Alward (Timothy), her grandchildren: Heather Mitchell, Katie Reichard, Abbey Alward, Joseph Alward (Alanna), and great-granddaughter Ella Mitchell. Family and friends may pay their respects at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 2 pm until 7 pm, and are invited there on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 9:15 am for prayers followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 West 38th Street, Erie, PA 16506. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery.