Cecilia M. Erickson

Cecilia M. Erickson, 92, passed November 13, 2011, after a battle with Merkel cell carcinoma. She was the last surviving child of Homer and Sarah Van Campen. Cecilia moved to Knoxville in 2006 from northern California to be nearer family. In the five years in Tennessee she touched everyone she met with her quick wit and zest for life. She leaves behind four children, Gretchen E. Stark (Mark), Mark A. Erickson, Susan E.Q. Nielsen, Dr. Mary (Molly) Erickson, granddaughters Erin Stark Anderson, Katie Q. Wood, grandsons Tom D. Quinn (Michele), Ben Nielsen (Maria), Joey Thor Erickson Kirkle, and great grandchildren Bethany Quinn, Storme Quinn, Joshua Quinn, Haley Wood, Josie Wood, and step great- grandchildren.

As a youngster, Cecilia and her sister Mary were members of the "Kiddie Review", an entertaining troupe that traveled through the Midwest, managed by our grandmother Sarah Campbell Van Campen. As a young woman Cecilia worked at the Mayo Clinic where she met and married Norvin E. Erickson. Her husband’s vocation as an aeronautical engineer allowed her to travel to many states throughout their 25 year marriage. She lived a varied and full life.

Cecilia enjoyed golf, bowling, Dixieland and big band music, and bingo. She inspired her neighbors by her independent lifestyle -- drove, danced, shopped, cooked and cleaned in her home where she lived alone into her 90s.

Her children marveled at her independent spirit. She, truly, was one of a kind. And they thank her for giving them strength of character, perseverance, and, most of all, humor. She will be missed.

A private gathering of Cecilia's friends, nieces and nephews will be held in Sacramento, California. A tribute and celebration of a life well lived will be scheduled for loved ones in Knoxville.