Mabel Jean Czekaj

Of Fairview, Erie County, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, January 14,, 2026 peacefully in her home in her daughter’s arms. Born January 18, 1939, in Wilkinsburg, PA to Edna Jean Bluman and Joseph Brown,  attended Turtle Creek High School and married her High School sweetheart Robert Francis Czekaj on April 28, 1962. They were married 61 years. Known to her friends and family as “Jean” she lived in Turtle Creek when first married, bought their first home in Level Green, and eventually moved to Berlin, PA where she and Bob resided for 45 years together. In 2015, they sold their “farm” and moved to Pittsburgh to live with their daughter Lori, and eventually in 2016 when Lori married, they all moved to Fairview, PA just outside of Erie.  She resided with her daughter, Lori, and son-in-law Scott for ten years until her passing.

Jean was a working Mom, and held several positions as an office manager, and ultimately retail management. She retired in 1990 and enjoyed providing “daycare” for her three grandsons prior to them starting school, better known as “Nanny School”.  She loved traveling and did so with her daughter to horse shows to watch her compete, and trips to Atlantic City where she got her “casino fever”, which became her favorite pastime. Jean enjoyed having her family around her more than anything and instilled all the family traditions in her daughter Lori and her daughter-in-law, Gail, who will continue those traditions, like crafting her special chocolate dessert, and her fabulous stuffing. 

Jean is preceded in death by her husband Robert and her son Richard J. Czekaj. She is survived by her son Robert E. Czekaj, and wife Gail, and her daughter Lori Czekaj-Thompson, and husband Scott. She was the proud grandmother of “Bobby”, Greg, Michael, Jimmy, Justice and Will and great-grandmother of Amelia and Danielle. She is also survived by her “fur” grandkids Creed, Loki, Toula and Arri.

A family viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 20, from 10-11 a.m at Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Turtle Creek / Monroeville Chapel, 1111 Monroeville Ave., Turtle Creek, PA 15145, (412) 823-9350.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Jude Church (St. Joseph the Worker Parish) in Wilmerding on Tuesday at 12 noon.

Jean will be laid to rest in Good Shepherd Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that a donation be made in memory of Mom to www.mureillesplace.org , a senior dog sanctuary, or by mail at 33 Creek Rd., Wapwallopen, PA 18660.