Ardetta Elaine Ericson

Ardetta E. Ericson (Bjorn) age 71, resident of Costa Mesa for 42 years, passed away on June 3, 2012 in Orange County, CA. She is survived by her beloved husband Harold of 49 years. She was the loving mother of Kara (Robert) Burns, Kurt Ericson, and Krista Ericson, and the proud grandmother to Garrett and Connor Burns. She was also a dear sister to MaryAnn Jones and the late John Bjorn. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Ardetta was born in Brocket, ND on August 23, 1940. She grew up on a farm in Lakewood, WA. She attended Lakewood Elementary and Arlington High School in Washington state. After graduation she moved to Seattle and began working as a secretary. Her interest in travel led to a change in careers to become a stewardess for United Airlines. She was based in Los Angeles, CA and flew out of LAX.

At that time she met her future husband, Harold Ericson of Chicago, IL. They married in Arlington on April 6, 1963 and set up residence in Santa Monica, CA. Ardetta began working as an Executive Secretary for the Rand Corporation. She continued in this position until she and Harry moved to San Bernardino, CA and Kara was born. Kurt followed thirteen months later. In 1970 the family moved to the Mesa Verde neighborhood of Costa Mesa to a house they still love. Krista was born two years later. As a young mother, Ardetta was very active in the California Elementary and the TeWinkle Middle School PTAs, serving in various positions, including historian and newsletter editor.

Her interests included bowling for the schools mother's league. A few proud moments came when she bowled over 200 and earned a Kona Lanes glass and a Kona Lanes team trophy. Gardening was another love of Ardetta's and she was well known for her green thumb. There were always beautiful flowers surrounding her.

Ardetta continued to love to travel with Harry, especially to Las Vegas. She felt fortunate to have visited almost every state in the nation with him, including Alaska on a cruise, but her favorite places to travel were to visit family. She loved to go back to Washington state, Chicago and San Diego to visit Krista. As Kara grew up and moved away to San Mateo, CA, the pull of her two grandsons was strong. She was happy when Kara moved to Agoura Hills several years ago and was closer to home. Ardetta was extremely proud of her children and grateful that Kurt stayed close in Newport Beach and Krista returned to Costa Mesa.

Ardetta was a special person in the lives of many. Although you would never have known it due to her strong will and character, Ardetta lived bravely with Lupus for 40 years. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America in her name. the website is www.lupus.org, and there is a donate button on the home page.

A memorial service will take place on Sunday, June 10, 2012 beginning at 1:30 pm at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Mortuary, 1625 Gisler Ave.,

Costa Mesa, CA, 92626