Mary L. Erickson, 93

Mary L. Erickson was born Aug. 13, 1923, in Meredosia, Ill., and passed away Sept. 20, 2016, in Athol, Idaho.

Mary is survived by her daughters, Ginger Lane and Roxanne (Rhea Hayden) Speropoulous; daughter-in-law Noreen Landers; grandchildren Tahnee (Dan) Dunlap, Derek (Molly) Landers, Robin (Bryan) Whitman; and great-grandsons Nicholas and Rylan Dunlap, Jack Landers, Calvin and Ian Whitman. She is preceded in death by son Charles Landers and granddaughter Dawn Lane.

Mary moved to the Spokane area in the late 1940s and worked in various occupations throughout her life, but her favorite was being a foster-grandparent in the Head Start Program. During her 27 years as a member, she was lovingly referred to as “Grandma Mary” by the children. She retired from the program at 87 but continued her love of arts and crafts that she discovered from working with the kids during those years.

She was an accomplished ballroom dancer and won many awards performing in gowns she designed and made herself. Mary enjoyed traveling and went on many trips and cruises to destinations like Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, San Francisco, and more. Never wanting a driver’s license, Mary was fiercely independent and walked or took the bus anywhere she needed to go.

A memorial is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 9485 North Maple St., Hayden, Idaho, with reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary’s life.

Please send donations to www.mattressfirmfosterkids.org to help children in need. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.