Ericka was the devoted wife of 54 years to her beloved husband, Antonio De Melo. She was a loving mother to Lisa Rittinger (Tony) and Natalie Custodio (Victor), and a proud Oma to Jordan, Taylor, and Ava, who were the light of her life.
She is also survived by her sisters, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish her memory. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Lisa Pelger.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the ICU team at WRHN @ Midtown for their compassionate care and support during Ericka’s final days.
Ericka's family will receive relatives and friends at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900), on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 305 Laurentian Dr., Kitchener, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Cremation will follow and a private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Crohn's and Colitis Canada, 2110-439 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8, or to the WRHN Foundation, 300-235 The Boardwalk, Kitchener, ON N2N 0B1.
Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
