Lisa Marie Erickson

Lisa Marie Erickson, 64, Rockford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully Monday, January 25th, 2016, in her home. Born Lisa Marie Miles on July 4th, 1951, in Rockford, the daughter of Everett "George" and Georgia (Greene) Miles. Lisa was the middle child of 7. She attended Nashold Elementary and Jefferson Middle Schools. She graduated from Guilford High School in 1969. She met the love of her life, Harry Erickson, at age 14. They married May 23rd, 1970, at Brooke Road Methodist Church in Rockford. They were fortunate to have shared 45 years of marriage.

She is survived by her husband, Harry, daughter, Meghan (Justin) Garnhart, Rockford, sons, Ryan (Jennifer) Erickson, Poplar Grove, and Iliya (Sofya) Stepanov, Juneau, AK; grandson, Nathan Baxter, granddaughters, Mallory Garnhart, Samantha Garnhart, all of Rockford, and Natalya Stepanova, Juneau, AK; siblings, Cheryl Miles, Candace (Patrick) Heaslip, Craig Miles, all of Rockford, and Erin (Ken) Willhite, Ocala, FL; brothers-In-law, Nels Erickson and Burl Wurm, Rockford; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends, Rogennia Asher, Tucson, AZ. and Nancy Waters, Rockford. She was predeceased by her daughter, Maureen Erickson; parents; and sisters, Patricia Wurm and Marsha Dubrock.

Lisa began working at the Rockford Illinois Bell Telephone office in 1979 and was a member of the IBEW Local 21. A few years into her career, her position was moved to the Chicago Suburbs. She commuted for many years, often with her good friends, Nancy, Rhonda, and Jim. She retired from AT&T in 2009. She was a beautiful, smart, loving, and hard-working woman. She cherished her family and friends. Lisa loved to travel and especially loved Paris. Most of all, she loved being with her family. Her bright smile, wonderful sense of humor, and contagious laugh truly made her the life of the party. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many people whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 29th, 2016, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A celebration of Lisa’s life and burial will be held Saturday, January 30th, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at the same location.