Erika I’m so grateful for all the moments I spent with you watching you grow up into a beautiful young woman. I’m so happy I got to talk to you one last time this Thanksgiving. Your light will never cease. We love now and into eternity. Rest well beautiful girl. We love you and your family. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜Shelley, Jason & Charlotte.
2
I don’t know the date or the year but I believe it was 2015 I knew that she was gonna be my bestfriend for life. We had always connected through music and this was when we were heavy into PartyNextDoor and she went on vacation to Hawaii. I missed her soooo much that 2 weeks, so much so I listened to the album everyday until she came home. Pretty much from then we became closer than ever. Always a sister to me, I would anything for her and without a doubt she had my back. I’m glad I have photos and videos saved of our happiest times.
6
This is a different story of Erika — one of the protector.
I’m older by nearly half a decade, but started working at Starbucks upon graduating university. She was my barista trainer and I immediately knew she was fabulous. I loved her spark, her charisma. Her support. She had the best sense of humor, constantly making me laugh.
I had gone through a rough break up when I graduated; a guy with an obsessive personality. One day, he somehow found out where I worked (he lived two hours away) and stood in front of the espresso machines (didn’t order a beverage) while I was finishing up my last beverage before leaving for the day. I hid in the back because I couldn’t leave while he was still out waiting for me, and I had started crying before I even made it to the back room. Erika knew something was up and came to check on me immediately. When I told her what happened, she peaked out the back room window and described him to confirm who I was talking about. She then went out and chased him out of the store, following him outside until she confirmed he drove out of the parking lot.
She was the fiercest friend. And I am so grateful and privileged to have known her.
6
This was when so many of us were working at Starbucks and Erika was among the crew now working there. I went through my stores drive through and ordered my normal insane beverage of a venti Carmel macchiato with a ridiculous amount of caramel. Normally people put in too little caramel or just right but Erika went challenge accepted and she did in fact give me a ridiculous amount of Carmel in my drink. It was the only time any barista has ever given me too much caramel. She was just laughing as she handed it to me in my car from the window. Every time I order an iced Carmel macchiato and ask for extra caramel I think of her.
3
I remember Erika and I were driving to a get together with our 145th & 15th crew at Amy’s house. We were listening to music and having a blast and she was holding my crock pot of chili at her feet in my car. She suddenly goes.. “it’s that one!!” (We weren’t sure what street it was exactly) and I probably took the corner a bit fast. Anyway, chili went flying all over my car and all over Erika and we were laughing so hard we were crying. We had to hose out my car, mats and Erika’s feet off which were all covered in chili. I think of this story every time I have chili. She had a way of making you laugh harder than you thought you should. Erika, you will always be my little sister and I love you forever.
7
2017, Green Lake, Seattle, WA, USA
5
Erika showed kindness and care for others. Among her talents was an ability to sing beautifully. May her memory be a blessing.
5
May happy memories provide peace and comfort at this difficult time. Keeping the family in my prayers. God Bless.
3
2012, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
One of the happiest days of my life...
— with
Lola,
Isabella,
Vaughan,
Hanna Banana,
Auntie Peanut,
Necing
and Erika
6