Erika Ernst

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erika Ernst on June 12th, 2026. Erika passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 80.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband of 54 years, Rudolf Ernst. Siblings, Paul (Nelly) and Heinz (Emily). Children, Walter, Marlies, and Thomas (Shannon). Grandchildren, Tavia, Arnold, and Margaret.

Erika was born in Horgen, Switzerland on January 31, 1946. She was warm and nurturing and always had a genuine desire to care for people. Following her passion she began working as an au pair from 1962 to1964. She completed her diploma in nursing in 1968 in Bern and continued her career in Menzikon and the Neuroklinik in Bern. She maintained contact with her colleagues from Lindenhof and cherished their friendships all these years. In 1970 she immigrated to Canada and met Ruedi, her future husband, on 1st August (Swiss National Day) through her cousin Hanspeter.

On June 3, 1972, she returned to Switzerland to marry Ruedi amongst family and friends. Shortly after, they moved into the house which we all still call ‘Home’ today.

In 1973, after learning she was expecting Walter, Erika made the difficult decision to give up her career to become a stay-at-home mom. Two years later Marlies was born, and then 5 years later came Thomas.

Over the past 50+ years Erika was the foundation of the household. She made our house into a home full of warmth and love with everything she made, touched, and did for us all. She enjoyed her gardening and hosting dinners for our friends and her door was always open.

She was selfless, generous and thoughtful, traits that have been enjoyed by all who were close to her, including her grandchildren. She was a beautiful person inside and out without a mean bone in her body.

Erika’s Christian faith made her a strong passionate person. The love she had to give did not end with her family and friends but carried on through the various charitable works that were always a part of her life. She truly lived her faith and ran her race well and it gives us great peace.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her passing has left a huge hole and life will never be the same, but her memory will always remain alive in our hearts and minds.

We love you!

A Celebration of Erika’s Life will be held at the Westwood Community Church on July 12th 2026, at 2:00pm (located at 1294 Johnson Street, Coquitlam, BC). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Union Gospel Mission in Erika’s name.