Erika Marianne Schwartz, 75

Erika was resting free of pain and at peace with the Lord, when she passed at 6 p.m. from Hospice House on March 16, 2014.

Erika Marianne Schwartz was born in Berlin, Germany, on May 3, 1938. Erika survived the death of her parents and brother at Auschwitz. She developed an indomitable spirit to overcome adversity while growing up, which served her well throughout the remainder of her life.

Erika wanted to become a nurse, but at the time the quota for that profession was filled. She instead became an apprentice to a master tailor, and graduated four years later, followed by an additional four years of internship. Unable to practice her profession until she was 25 years of age in Germany, 22-year-old Erika decided to move to America with her husband and family. She moved to the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, area many years later and settled in Hayden.

Erika was a devout Christian, very knowledgeable of the Bible, and attended the Friend's Church in Hayden. She donated her time and talents to helping others. In addition to being an exceptional tailor, Erika was a gifted craftsman, designing items in knitting, crocheting, painting, and crewel embroidery. She also had a beautiful singing voice.

On many occasions, Erika said that the members of the Hayden Senior Center were her family. She thoroughly enjoyed spending Friday afternoons with the Krafty Krafters, and playing the Saturday twice monthly card games of Hand & Foot. She donated her time and talents to help raise funds for the Senior Center. Her favorite charity was the Salvation Army.

Erika was preceded in death by her son, Terry, and daughter, Penny Whitley.

A memorial for Erika will be held at noon on April 19, at the Hayden Senior Center, followed by a pot luck lunch. Peace be with you, our good and loving friend.