Margaret Eriksson

Skilled Baker, Beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother

Margaret Ann Eriksson (nee Brown) of Great Kills, passed away January 6, 2025, at the age of 82 years. She was born on Staten Island at Richmond Memorial Hospital, the eldest child of the late Alvin Arnold Brown and Margaret Lee Brown (nee Turner). She graduated from New Dorp High School in the building that is now Staten Island Technical High School.

Margaret was a skilled baker and cake decorator, having worked at Holtermann’s Bakery for over 25 years, and going on to work at Waldbaum’s, King Kullen, and Stop & Shop bakeries. She would often use her skills to make delicious treats and decorate birthday cakes for family and friends for many occasions or just to try a new recipe. She loved making Swedish and other Scandinavian desserts, and her annual Christmas Julkake was looked forward to every year.

Throughout her life, Margaret loved nature, and was a friend to all animals. She would feed birds, squirrels, ducks, groundhogs, and stray cats, and rescued and helped many animals including kittens, birds, and a tortoise. Margaret also had many beloved pets throughout her life including a dog named Nanook and many cats that she loved with all of her heart. She enjoyed being outdoors and would frequently visit different parks around the island.

Margaret was a member of the American Legion since age 15 Watkins-Kellett Post Auxiliary for 65 years, where she served as treasurer for many years and other services.

Maine had a special place in her heart, she loved visiting with family there and found peace in the beautiful landscapes and cherished the memories made there.

Margaret also loved creating, and would paint in a variety of mediums (but was especially good at oil painting), craft, and crocheted many things from a young age. She also loved reading, playing the guitar and banjo, birdwatching, and studying the Bible. She loved country music, 1950s rock, and Elvis Presley.

A good cup of tea was always appreciated and was frequently enjoyed. She also enjoyed playing scrabble and soda crush.

Guided by her faith, Margaret attended many church group activities and ushered parishioners at Calvary Assembly of God in Eltingville where she worshiped every Sunday. Margaret was a very giving and charitable person and would try to help anyone in need any way she could.

She is survived by two loving children, a son, Albert Jr. and Tammy Eriksson, and a daughter, Sonja Eriksson, seven grandchildren, Kevin (Aime), Dawn, Matthew (Whitney), Alyssa (Walt), Christopher (Abby), Anastasia, and Kimberley; nine great-grandchildren, Blake, Kinsley , Mark , Jolene , Noelle , Harper, Nolan, Lucas , and Grace ; sisters Sharon Lee Healey and husband George of Seaford, DE, Janet Genzlinger of Jackson, NJ, Evelyn Huffman and husband Billy of Melfa, VA, and Barbara Matthews and husband Ronnie of Greenbush; three dear friends, Jean Colonello, Harry Anagnostis, and Debra Romano, as well as Pastor Eileen, Will, and many more loving friends at Calvary Assembly of God. She is also survived by her three beloved cats, Midnight, Job, and Spruce whom she loved dearly.

She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Albert W Eriksson, Sr. “Albie”, and great granddaughter Alyse.

A celebration of her life will be held at Calvary Assembly of God at a later date to be announced.

Arrangements and Cremation are being handled by Casey McCallum Rice Funeral Home in Great Kills.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Calvary Assembly of God Church, any animal rescue group, or your favorite charity would be appreciated.