Wednesday 19 June 2019

Erika

Erika died in the early hours of yesterday, just weeks after a cancer diagnosis. The timeline barely credits the use of the plural. Many of you will know her as a pop-in-and-out WOYWW Desker, she shared her craft passions on her blog, sumbunnehcrafts. You might have connected with her through the Visible Image community, she surely was their number one fan and cheerleader. For no gain, she just fell for the marque and got to know Mark and Helen really well. 
I knew Erika a little. She was much younger than me, I remember her 40th birthday, so it can’t have been that long ago. We were near neighbours for some years and she was a customer in my shop way back then, and when she and her husband Ian moved away into their lovely new home, they commissioned Mr Dunnit to manufacture fitted cabinets for her new craft room. I can still see her smile as she showed me round the finished room and we chatted and giggled over the capacity of stash it would hold. If you met her, you’d never forget her. She was fabulously friendly and very quick to giggle. 

Erika liked to share her experiences and passions; her blog wasn’t her favourite way to communicate - I wonder if it wasn’t responsive enough. Her Facebook presence was marvellous. I learned about Visible Image from her. She helped to establish Chatty Crafters in her new neighbourhood so that she could meet and encourage others to do things that she loved. She loved being part of a twice weekly Zumba class and she adored music. For this gentle human being who I don’t believe was capable of of any sort of unkindness, the best music was heavy metal. I love that about her, such a dichotomy! 
Erika was not vain in any way, and happily posted selfies and pictures so that we could all share her fun. I remember a discussion on Facebook following some unkind comment regarding body shape. She believed, really believed, that who she was and how she conducted her life was more important than how she looked. And that belief shone from her and made her a great role model for women struggling with body image. I really hope she knew that. As with all these things, I really wish I had told her of my opinion.
Because we lived near each other, over the years I have bumped into quite a few people who know Erika. I can honestly say that it’s  a humbling experience to listen to how well liked, how kind, how thoughtful and how sweet Erika is. 

One of Erika’s mixed media pieces. She did love some splat and splash.
 I think that of all the people I’ve ever met, Erika lived up to the sentiment on this piece. I offer huge condolences to Ian and to her family. And to everyone that knew Erika - weren’t we lucky. 

16 comments:

Debbie Rock said...

Just such a beautifully fitting tribute to one of this worlds most perfect souls. The shock & disbelief today has been hard to bare & seeing the outpouring of love for Erika on FB has been heartwarming.
So very many times I meant to message her to say “stuff” - how I admired her love for life & for not letting any negativity stop her just being herself - and what a truly beautiful self she was. But I never did & now it is too late - how I now bitterly regret my hesitation. I crafted alongside her on a couple of occasions but that was enough to cement a friendship & I shall sorely miss seeing that light-up-the-world smile.
Thank you for this Julia - there really are no words to say how desperately sad this is. Xxx

Elizabeth said...

I didn't really know Erika but I'm sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts are with her husband, her family and everyone who knew and treasured her. Elizabeth xx

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Omg, this is a huge shock, I hadn't realised she was so poorly. Such sad news, too soon to die at a comparatively young age. I didn't know her that well but remember her larger than life presence.
Sending hugs xxx

Di said...

Beautifully put Julia. I'm sorry that I never knew Erika. I missed out as she sounds such a treasure and will surely be very much missed.

Love, Di xx

Shoshi said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady, Julia. I didn't know Erika well as she was only occasionally on WOYWW but I did have some lovely comments from her. Please do pass on my condolences to her husband and family. Very sorry indeed to hear that she so quickly succumbed to cancer. Thank you for sharing your lovely memories of her with us.

Shoshi

Helen said...

This is a beautiful tribute a beautiful lady, life lived too short. I was stunned when i saw Debbie's tribute to her yesterday, couldn't believe it as I had thought she was starting treatment; she must have been so much more ill than everyone realised. Then I saw Helen (Visible Image)'s tribute in the evening. Life is cruel indeed.

Anne said...

Hello Julia. Beautiful words for a beautiful lady. I didn't really know Erika but had commented on her blog in the past and she mine. Such a tragic loss. I am moved to tears by your words. Anne X

Kathyk said...

What a lovely tribute to Erika who was, as you say, such a "full of life" kind of girl and one I was privileged to meet at Tidworth at one of your WOYWW crops. I could scarcely believe the post on facebook yesterday as it had hardly been a "moment" since she'd shared her diagnosis in her typical matter of fact way. My thoughts are with Ian and the rest of her family, friends and "fans", and my thanks to you, Julia, for your touching post

Kathyk

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Oh so sad to read this, I remember her a while back on WOYWW, lovely and some true words it seems so sad when they’re taken so quickly. Praying much for her family and all who loved her. Shaz.x

shazsilverwolf said...

This is a lovely tribute to Erika, Julia. She truly was that person to whom 'strangers were friends she hadn't met yet'. So lovely, bubbly and larger than life, it seems impossible that she's gone. Her sunny personality came out in everything, even just Facebook posts.Love & hugs, Shaz X

Twiglet said...

What a sad loss of such a young person. I didn't know Erika but your lovely words say it all Julia. xx Jo

Darnell said...

What a lovely tribute, Julia, which I believe will make Erika blush in her beautiful heavenly robes, but she will giggle and love it. Hugs, Darnell

Dotty Jo said...

Lovely, kind and generous words, Julia, it's so sad when we loose a fellow crafter and friend, Jo x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

How incredibly sad, Julia. Your words of kindness paid homage to this woman I only knew from a few times I visited her on WOYWW. You have found the perfect tribute to her, and I'm sure her death has taken many by surprise. My thoughts are with her husband and family at this hour of their sorrow. And to you, Julia, for sharing how much she meant to you.

Neet said...

What a beautiful and wonderful tribute. I vaguely remember her blog but sadly did not know her as much as others have so obviously done. A beautiful star shining in God’s garden.

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Only just saw this post Julia as i've not been online. What sad news to read about Erika, life can be too cruel... Our creative paths had crossed on occasions and she always had a kind and supportive word along with fantastic taste in music. Sending condolences to her family at this sad time and Thank you for such a fitting tribute Julia. Another creative angel taken too soon xx