Karen Michele Erickson

Obituary; a notice of a person's death, usually with a short biographical account. This is the dictionary definition. Karen, a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, friend cannot be summed up with a short biographical account. No frickin’ way!! Her grandchildren said it best: MY GRANDMA IS A BADASS! And this would be confirmed by her oldest friend and good-troublemaker Missy.

There is not enough sky to write what the mother of our three daughters meant to so many. On June 3, 1955, Beverly (Hensley) Ebright gave birth to her first child, Karen Michele. Raised in Southern California, Karen grew into a beautiful woman with a great sense of humor, creativity, and play. She loved the beach, was a master frisbee thrower, and also loved cheer, dance, and football- FOOTBALL CRAZED! Don’t talk to her while football was on! On September 23, surrounded by family and the loving care of Halifax Health Hospice, Karen Michele Erickson was relieved of the suffering of corticobasal syndrome and transitioned to her next adventure. Here we present the beautiful Karen Michele Erickson.

Her life, joy, and goodness continues to be celebrated by her husband, Todd. She is and was well-loved by her mother Beverly and two brothers, Lon and Doug (d. 2010). Karen’s daughter M. Nichole with son-in-law Marc Kelleher, daughter Autumn Marie with son-in-law Benjamin Chilcote, and daughter Ceara Michelle are proud to share her smile and her voice. Her grandchildren were her heart: Ethan, Nora, Ryann, Olivia, Michael. She has been the sun in the life of the extended family, including Christopher, Katie, Isaac, and Elliott; Alexander; and Sabrina and Joe. While Karen will be missed, she would also want us to continue to celebrate this new and beautiful day.

Our youngest daughter Ceara wrote, “She was life lived to the fullest. And we are, each of us whose lives she’s touched, a piece of her collateral beauty”. She lived her life on her terms and through that we all followed in those footsteps. Our oldest daughter Nichole wrote, “She was here just long enough to leave an indelible mark on those who knew her. She will be remembered for her unwavering spirit and the way she handled adversity with grace and class. She was here just long enough to instill her love of birds and all things beautiful in her children and grandchildren. Because of her, the ocean will always be a place of reflection, hope, and peace”.

This was Karen, my wife, my friend in its entirety. There are no photos of her without a smile, no photos that didn’t light up your day, and as Autumn Marie, our middle daughter said “Mom’s sense of humor and creative spirit, along with vibrant pink hair, glittering earrings, and bedazzled and bespoked wheelchair, highlighted our days until the very end of her life.” I, Todd, her husband and friend, want to add- and till the end of all our lives. The mark she left on this world was enormous, and the hole her absence leaves will never be filled. We find solace knowing that she will live on in each and every one of us, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She taught us the definition of strength, the openness of minds, the true love in hearts, and the ferocity of clear souls. She taught us the power of entering this great river of life in full force, when to float, dance and sing. Karen is the emotional strength and mental fortitude of the most capable pirate, the glittering wings of the prettiest of fairies, the most beautiful shiny scales of the mermaid’s tails, and the brightest and pinkest of princess auras.

Professionally, Karen was a jane-of-all-trades and appreciated by all who knew and worked with her. She showed as much excitement when driving Monster trucks for Manheim Auto Auction as when preparing seedlings and talking about beneficial insects in her dedication as a Master Gardener. Her love of all dance showed no boundaries of accomplishment. With dedicated persistence and patience, Karen talked her husband Todd into ballroom dance, and with that set off an incredible journey of love, respect, joy and most importantly sharing one beat between the two of them. Karen and Todd started private lessons that turned into competitive ballroom dance competitions. Together, they won medal after medal in regional competitions. Most notably, they won 1st place at the New Jersey State Ballroom Dance Competition across ten dances, with the waltz being a favorite. Karen and Todd also enjoyed a 5-pound Hershey’s chocolate bar for 1st place at the Hershey Symphony Gala, also earning the respect of the ballroom dance community across the state of Pennsylvania. This was no small feat! Karen’s love for anything turned those around her in love with everything!

Karen’s achievements are simple, but meaningful: all of us, her family and friends!

Please allow me, her husband Todd, this: I will know no greater gift than having the privilege of being Your partner, friend, companion. I was the fortunate one My Love. I was able to honor our vows of 35 years ago September 19th, 1987: ‘til death, do us part. In sickness and in health. An honor it was! My wish to everyone is the honor of such. She was and will always be the best Princess fairy pirate phoenix butterfly flower hummingbird mermaid ladybug.

It’s up to us to take the mantle of beauty and live to the fullness that Karen wrote for us. Peace and love to all! Here’s to a beautiful day.

Please share your photos, videos, and memories in the space below.

A sunrise celebration of Karen’s life and legacy will be held at Flagler Beach, on the beach at 5th Street and A1A, on November 5. Please arrive for sunrise before 7:30 am, and WEAR A COSTUME. In honor of Karen’s legacy of joy, we ask that you dress in theme of her nine names: princess fairy pirate phoenix butterfly flower hummingbird mermaid ladybug.

Those wishing to offer donations, please consider Halifax Health Hospice Care Center, Edgewater, Florida, who offered loving care for Karen, Todd, Nichole, Autumn Marie, and Ceara in our final days together

A sunrise celebration for Karen will be held Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 6:30 AM at 5th Street & A1A (Flagler Beach).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.craigflaglerpalms.com for the Erickson family.