Erin L. Harney Siples

Erin Lynn Harney-Siples passed away on January 24, 2021 from complications caused by COVID-19 related pneumonia. Erin is survived by her husband of twenty-six years David Siples, daughter Nicki Siples, brother Brent Harney, mother-in-law Harriet Siples, nieces Leanna Harney and Kaela (Drew) Coco (née Harney) and cousin Debbie (Larry) Pierog. Erin was born in Chicago, IL on May 10, 1959 to Jim and Carol Harney. She came into the world with a fiery spirit and the red hair to match! She carried that spirit throughout her life and it helped her when, the summer after graduating from South Side High School, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. With the help of family, friends, resilience and science she fought and survived despite the doctors expressing that her chances of a typical life had been narrowed. This early experience and fight for her own life influenced her greatly and the following years Erin devoted her time to helping others: first graduating with a degree in Psychology from IPFW and working as a group home “Mom” to dozens of young men and later going back to school for her nursing degree. Erin was a nurse at Parkview for 20+ years helping others while entertaining her co-workers with her infectious chatter. Beyond being a dedicated nurse, Erin was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Erin was blessed to share her life with her husband Dave. The two married after a long courtship that first started when they met in middle school. While they didn’t officially date until college that early friendship turned into a lifelong love, spanning over 40 years together, and officially marrying in 1994. Erin also had a deep love for community theatre and over the years graced the stages of Fort Wayne—entertaining many with her beautiful voice and wit. Her theater family was of great importance and a source of strength and support to her throughout. Erin didn’t know a stranger—always stopping to chat and connect with those around her—be it a small interaction at the bank or a longer conversation with a neighbor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and those who didn’t have the opportunity. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions and out of an abundance caution for those around us the family is waiting to have any services or memorials until it is safer to do so. In memorial, the family asks that - like Erin would - you share a smile (masked!) or conversation with someone around you. Or, if you are so inclined, memorial donations can be made to Arena Dinner Theatre or Plymouth Congregational Church. As another well-known red head, Anne of Green Gables, said, “true friends are always together in spirit.” We know Erin’s spirit is with all of us. And Erin, we love you a ‘bushel and a peck’ forever!