Jean Castle Erickson

Jean was born July 3, 1928 in Englewood, New Jersey, to Florence (Howe) and Gilbert Castle, the second of four children. When she was 18 months old, her parents decided to seek a new life in California and moved their family west. This began a series of adventures that enriched Jean’s childhood and helped shape her character. During the Depression, Jean’s dad tried to make a living at various enterprises (several of which failed), including gold mining, running a popcorn factory, forming a magic straw company, showing movies at CCC camps, guiding groups into the High Sierras, running an outdoor theater (which was destroyed in a windstorm) and operating a sawmill, until the money ran out. He was inventive, capable and hard-working, and eventually became a successful contractor and building inspector for a California school district. The family moved often and weathered the hard times with strength and a sunny disposition. Jean learned the value of a positive, “can do” attitude, which she retained her whole life. While she was growing up, the family also had many playful times, singing silly songs, teasing, and sharing Saturday pancakes and special Sunday dinners. Jean adored her parents and siblings, and she had a very happy childhood.

Jean learned to love the outdoors and to emulate her parents’ work ethic, resiliency, confidence and courage. When she was four, her dad took her on a pack trip on the John Muir Trail. She was registered on Walker Pass as the youngest person ever to cross there! In 1939, her parents bought 320 acres in the mountains, about seven miles above the small town of Dunlap, California. They named their property Castlewood, built a home and started a rustic, outdoorsy lifestyle. She loved to hike and explore, sleep under the stars, sled the hill and swim in the pond. The children walked almost a mile to the road, where they caught a bus to attend a one-room school house for grades 1-8 in Dunlap. Jean had very fond memories of her years through eighth grade at Dunlap School, including outdoor science lessons and singing around the piano.

During World War II, her dad secured a job as a superintendent in the shipbuilding industry, and the family moved to Wilmington, where Jean attended Narbonne High School. After the war ended in August, 1945, her family moved back to Castlewood, but Jean remained behind to finish her senior year. She lived with a teacher’s family and did babysitting, cleaning and ironing in exchange for room and board. Even though she enjoyed school and had lots of friends, Jean was lonely for her family. She accelerated her studies and graduated in January, 1946. In the summers of 1946 and 1947, she worked and lived at General Grant National Park. It was here that she began her lifelong love of the huge Sequoia redwood trees (which she called the most beautiful things she had ever seen), and she always found her peace in the forest.

Jean attended Fresno State College, majoring first in business, then in history. She aspired to be a teacher, but, unfortunately had to quit school for financial reasons after two years. While she was there, however, one of her roommates introduced her to a family friend, a returning Air Force pilot named Calvin Erickson. He had a beautiful singing voice and was charming, handsome and fun. Cal’s family embraced her instantly, and he became the love of her life for 74 years! They married on April 4, 1948 and soon started a family of four children. They made it through the hardships and joys of life with grace and good humor, much as their own families had done before them. Money was tight in the early years, but Jean was able to follow a strict budget, create delicious meals and give her children everything they needed. Her family was her most important treasure, and she made a loving and comforting home for them. Jean was a wonderful mom, and all her children were grateful for her constant and unselfish love, and for their own happy childhood memories.

When the children were older, Jean decided to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. She started taking one class at a time at a junior college, eventually transitioning to San Fernando Valley State College (now called CSUN). She graduated in 1969 and began an outstanding 20- year career as an elementary school teacher in the Castaic School District in the Santa Clarita Valley. Jean loved teaching, and her students often praised her as their favorite teacher. She was also esteemed by her colleagues, and even won a “Teacher of the Year” award from the district.

Jean lived an active life. She loved to water ski, take her children to the beach, go on daily walks and learn about computers. Besides family camping trips, sports and school functions, Jean and Cal enjoyed sharing activities together as a couple. They both found pleasure in square dancing, golfing and playing cards with friends. In later years, they were also able to enjoy traveling, including trips to Europe, Panama and much of the United States.

Cal and Jean delighted in each other’s company, and were an example of unconditional love until he passed away last year at age 98. They used to sing the old songs together, Cal with his beautiful voice, Jean a little off-key, much to everyone’s delight. When Jean began her battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, Cal tenderly cared for her, even when his own health was declining. She always maintained her sweet and happy personality even through her illness, and she continued to find joy in the love of her family.

Preceding Jean in death were her husband of 74 years, Calvin Erickson; her parents; her sister, Virginia Christensen and brother, Gilbert Castle, Jr.; a son, Keith Erickson; son-in-law, Ted Macy; grandson, Matthew Macy; and her daughter-in-law, Robin Erickson. She is survived by a daughter, Caleen (Ed) Cox; sons John (Marchand) Erickson and David Erickson; her younger brother, Bruce (Gay) Castle; six grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great- grandchild.

Jean lived a full and happy life, and was beloved and respected by everyone who knew her. She was warm, loving and strong. Her shining light was a blessing to her family and friends for 95 years, and her legacy will live on forever in their hearts.