 Shirley J. Erickson, 91 of Mt. Holly Springs, passed away peacefully
into the arms of her Lord on Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. She was born
on November 7, 1922 in Manchester, New Hampshire, the daughter of the late Howard (Jimmy) and Polly (Austin) Jennings, and
was the widow of Robert C. Erickson, Sr. who died September 7, 1983. Shirley’s
father, a naval officer was stationed in the Canal Zone, Panama, where Shirley lived for seventeen years. She
loved the culture of Panama, continuing to share her love of the language, food and dance with family and friends.
Shirley’s passion was to be creative. She enjoyed sewing clothes, designing decoupage purses,
and painting. Her home was always decorated for every holiday. Shirley
and her husband were Jr. High School sweethearts, meeting in the 7th grade. She graduated from Cristobal
High School, Panama and attended Linden Hall in Lititz. Shirley and Robert (Bob) were married at St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church in the Panama Canal Zone, and then moved to Mt. Holly Springs, where they raised three children. Shirley
lived on the Pine Road for 65 years and was blessed to have wonderful neighbors and friends always nearby. She
is survived by her daughter Jackie of Bothel, WA, son Robert (wife, Nancy) of Oswego, IL, son in law, Donnie DeWalt (wife,
Jacquie) of Boiling Springs and one brother, James Smoot (wife, Sharie) of Panama. Known
affectionately to her grandchildren as “nana”, she is survived by six grandchildren; Deke Culp of Seattle, WA,
Robert Erickson III of Boyce, VA, Brita Adams of Dillsburg, Justin Erickson of New Bern, NC, Drew DeWalt of Boiling Springs
and Lance DeWalt of Philadelphia. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Shirley was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandy DeWalt and two great grandchildren. Shirley
was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Carlisle, where she made many wonderful friends.
The family would like to thank friend and caregiver Jane Clopper for being there and a part of our family for the past
seven years. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. –
11:00 a.m., with funeral services to follow on Thursday, March 20, 2014, in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover
St., Carlisle, with Rev. Carol Bowman officiating. Interment will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens,
Carlisle. Memorials may be made to Celtic Hospice and Home Health, Carlisle or the hospice of your
choice. Shirley admired the care provided by hospice, after seeing the care provided for her daughter.
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Shirley was a wonderful lady who I had the pleasure of knowing over 45 years. She was so
thoughtful and kind to me. One of my favorite memories is when I was at her house on Christmas Day about 40 years ago and
she didn't have a gift for me. She disappeared into the bedroom and came out with a wrapped present for me. She had
wrapped the brand new dress she had worn once on Christmas Eve and gave it to me!!! I've never met anyone like her--she
was one in a million! I'll see you on the other side someday, Shirley. Give my Dad a hug for me! Helen Kimmel
_______________ I send my heartfelt prayers and condolences to The Erickson Family. I went
to school with both Sandy and Jackie. Sandy was such a wonderful person, and my sister Doris Evansky was a close classmate
of Jackie in High School. May your Mother's beautiful memories bring healing to your hearts along with peace and joy,
for as long as you have memories they will live on forever in your hearts.
Ruth Evansky, St. Augustine, FL
_______________ Our
family was very saddened to hear that our beloved neighbor and friend Shirley had passed away. We moved in next door in 1992
and had the pleasure of knowing her and her kindness. For us it was like having a member of the family next door, she will
be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Franklin Family _______________ Your message of condolence will appear here.
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