November 15, 1975 – March 17, 2017 It is with broken hearts and deep and profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our bright and shining star and the light of our lives, our beautiful Erica. She leaves behind to mourn in her absence: her daughter Darian who was her best friend, her adoring parents Tom and MaryEllen, her brother Tommy who worshiped the ground she walked on, her soul sister Shari, her aunts and uncles who helped raise her and her cousins who were her lifelong playmates. We are all completely devastated. Erica had many treasured friends; some lifelong, some more recent, who deeply loved and admired her (you know who you are). Our hearts go out to you, we know you are grieving also. Erica was born and raised in Campbell River and thrived as the centre of attention in a very large, close knit family who loved and adored her. Erica had a passion for the outdoors and camping and was the happiest when she could spend long summer days at the lake swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and being towed behind Uncle Bud’s boat, sitting around a campfire roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, playing games, singing, joking and laughing. Erica loved our annual family vacations, camping on the west coast, where we could play in the waves on our boogie boards, hike the old growth forest trails and watch the glorious sunsets over the ocean every night. She called it our magical place. Erica was a devoted mother to her daughter Darian who she referred to as “my mini me”. She was also a devoted granddaughter, daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend. Erica excelled in school. In grade 6, she was the chess champion at Willow Point School and was the only girl competing at the tournament, which included 15 schools in District 72. During her elementary years, she won several awards including sportsmanship, citizenship and consistent hard work. Erica was a very busy teenager and had a very active social life. She was on the Southgate girls’ basketball team, Campbell River community baseball team, took dancing lessons, guitar lessons and worked at Del’s Drive-In. Erica loved helping people and making them happy. At age 14, she was the youngest Candy Striper in the history of the Campbell River Hospital. She was assigned to the geriatrics ward where she would feed elderly patients who could not feed themselves. Erica went to the hospital on Christmas Eve and delivered a mini candy cane to every patient in the hospital; it took her hours. After Erica finished grade 12, she went on to study sociology at North Island College. She then moved to the mainland and studied at Kwantlen College to become a medical transcriptionist. Erica worked as a medical transcriptionist for several lawyers in the Vancouver area for 10 years. She had an office in her home which allowed her to be a full time mom to her “mini me”. Erica and Darian moved back to Campbell River a few years ago. Erica worked at the Haida Beer and Wine. She had recently moved to Qualicum. Erica was a true beauty inside and out with a heart of gold. A Celebration of Life will take place this summer - Erica style - which will include a bonfire, hot dogs, and hopefully a lot of laughter. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to the Campbell River Women’s Centre.