Erin Marie Ortega

Erin Ortega, 57, passed away in her Torrance, California home on July 27, 2021, by the side of her loving husband of 20 years, George Ortega. Erin left us unexpectedly and too soon, but she will be remembered as a vibrant, fun, caring and loving wife, stepmom, grandma, godmother, sister, aunt and daughter.

Born Erin Marie Shader on June 2, 1964 to Alton and Joanne Shader, Erin was loved by all who knew her, including her siblings Mary Lynne Shader, Debbie Farmer and Alton Shader. She lived all 57 years in Southern California and nobody loved the sun and beach like Erin. She was the ultimate aunt to her five nieces and nephews, a loving stepmother to Ricky Ortega, Robert Ortega and Rachel Cepeda, and proud grandma to Vance!

She was truly a special person who managed her life with Type I diabetes with a huge heart and even quicker wit. Erin was funny…really funny!  She could make you laugh in an instant and was as quick to the draw with a biting joke as anyone! Erin was incredibly thoughtful, always sending comedic cards and gifts to her loved ones on every special occasion and holiday. She was an animal lover who rescued many dogs, and she loved them as much as they loved her. She was also tough as nails and never complained about her health, despite multiple challenges, including two kidney transplants.

Erin spent 30 years as a registered nurse at both Los Angeles County and Harbor UCLA, primarily in their pediatric burn and pediatric oncology wards, caring for and bringing smiles to the faces of the kids that truly needed her gifts the most. Erin had a special way with children and could connect with them better than anyone. She touched countless lives in too short of a time. Erin will be truly missed and we all love her more than can be expressed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Erin’s name.

Services will be held at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach on August 13, 2021 at 3 pm.