Obituary: Erickson, Carol Ann
Age 79
After battling rheumatoid arthritis for ten years, she developed brain lesions in February.
While recovering from her brain injury, stage IV ovarian cancer was discovered throughout her abdomen.
In her weakened condition, surgery or chemotherapy were not options.
She returned home on Hospice, where she died just one month after her diagnosis.
Predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Dr. Glen P. Erickson, Whitworth University physics professor, whom she married in 1953, she is survived by daughter Nancy Erickson Scott and husband, Tim, of Everson, WA; son David Erickson and wife, Karen, of Aiken, SC; daughter Linda Erickson and husband, Drew Kerr, of Pinole, CA; grandchildren Amy and Kyle Scott; her dear friend Margaret Clark of Spokane, and too many other wonderful friends to record.
Since she had nine siblings, and her husband had five siblings, all of whom married and had numerous children, she had too many relatives to mention, but she loved them all!
Born in Zion, IL on June 3, 1933 to Clifford and Olive (Wright) Johnson, she grew up in Villa Park, IL.
Carol Ann gave her life to Jesus Christ at the age of three, and continued to love and serve Him throughout her whole life.
She graduated from York High School, and from Wheaton College in 1956 with a BA in Christian Education, becoming the first person in her family to receive a college education.
She devoted the last 49 years to Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church in Spokane, serving as a church elder and as a member of Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry.
Using her gift for teaching, she led Bible studies and Sunday school classes.
She directed the Sunshine Singers Children’s Choir for 30 years.
She had a beautiful soprano voice, singing her first solo at thirteen.
She was an active member of the Whitworth Sanctuary choir.
Known for her wonderful desserts, she enjoyed entertaining.
She opened her home to many, including Whitworth students from China, Scotland, Venezuela, and Western and American Samoa.
She was an adjunct instructor with the Whitworth University CORE 150 program for 20+ years.
She loved to travel, spending summers camping with family all over the USA.
In 1988, she traveled to Taiwan and China on a six week solo adventure.
Two years ago she fulfilled a lifelong dream when she traveled with Linda and Drew to Australia and Kangaroo Island, where her mother was born.
An avid reader, she loved books of all genres.
She was a skilled seamstress, and most recently was a member of the Whitworth Church “Heavenly Stitchers”.
As an avid supporter of Whitworth University athletics, she attended all home football and basketball games.
She was overwhelmed by the love and care shown by her many friends during her final illness.
Carol Ann’s infectious smile and encouraging spirit will be remembered by her friends of all ages.
Visitation will be at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home, Spokane, WA from 2:00pm to 8:00pm pm, Monday, April 29.
The Memorial Service will be Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 4:00pm, at Whitworth Community Presbyterian Church, Spokane, WA.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Glen P. Erickson Physics Scholarship at Whitworth University would be appreciated.