Erika Ziverts

Erika Claus Ziverts was born December 09, 1929 in Röhrda, Germany. In 1958, at the age of 29, seeking to make a better life for herself, she immigrated to the United States, under the sponsorship of her aunt, a Denver resident. Her first job in Colorado was at a German restaurant in Wheat Ridge. Her first major employer was the J.C. Penney Company where she learned the skill of sewing draperies and other fabric window coverings. Eventually, she opened her own drapery workroom serving residential clients as well as interior designers. Her work was of exceptionally high quality, a standard to which she was dedicated.

On October 19, 1963, Erika was married, in Denver, to Voldemars Ziverts. They had one son, Larry, who was born a year later.

Gardening was a delight for Erika and she worked endless hours before and after spending long hours in her drapery business. Her garden was filled with a great variety of flowers, selected so that she would have flowers in bloom throughout the growing season. Mischievous German style Garden Elves cavorted among the flowers. Vegetables were also part of her garden, however, in recent years; she felt she was growing them primarily for the squirrels and raccoons that came regularly to enjoy the bounty.

Erika took great pride in home and it was always spotlessly clean and shining. For years she washed the windows inside and out every week! She also enjoyed collecting crystal and cut glass and had cabinets filled with her treasures. Erika was an excellent cook and homemaker. She was known for baking beautifully decorated German tortes.

Erika seems to be a true example of achieving the promise of the American dream. She came to this country with nothing more than two suitcases of clothing, a few family photos and a miniscule amount of money. As have so many other immigrants, she learned English by attending the Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver. She achieved financial independence including ownership of a small apartment complex where for years, she regularly mowed the law, planted and cared for the flowers and paintings. She worked hard on the family farm and brought that work ethic to her new life in Denver.

Erika went to join her heavenly Father on January 25, 2014 at the age of 84. Her husband, Voldemars as well as her son Larry preceded her in death. She is survived by her 2 sisters Luise Hartmann and Ilse Hartmann, two nephews and a niece all of Germany; 3 cousins: Gerda Hess of Littleton, Trudy Hagen of Evergreen and Irene Wickham of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and her beloved and cherished friend and neighbor Brenda Schwab.

Funeral Service will be Wednesday, January 29 at 12:00 p.m. at the Crown Hill Chapel of Peace, interment and a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, Erika’s family asks that gifts be given to the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, 11177 West 8th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80215 in remembrance of Erika and Voldemars Ziverts.