Erika Wright

life story

Family, Faith, Food, Fun

Erika was truly one in a million. Her life had countless interesting and beautiful chapters (some of those chapters not fit for print!). While her family sorely grieves her death, we know there's solace in the stories about her life that will live on in all of us.

A Life Well Lived

Erika was a true original. When we think about all the lives she touched, we know that her legacy of faith and family will live on for generations.

Erika was born in Eussenheim, Germany, in 1932 and was deeply affected by the war years. She made the voyage to the US in 1959, but a part of her heart forever remained in her homeland. Though starting a new chapter in her life, she brought with her its food, its culture, and the determined (some would say stubborn) nature of its people.

Erika was born and raised Catholic, and if you could pick one element of her life that never changed or wavered, it was her commitment to the Church, and her devotion to Mary. Her faith sustained her through both tough and joyful times. While money was scarce, she insisted on Catholic schooling for all eight of her children, a sacrifice seemingly rare these days. We are all incredibly grateful for her dedication to our education.

Erika married Aaron Wright on Feb 8, 1957. They had eight children together in ten years, all of whom were by her side in her final days. Her children are: Milton, Victoria (Victor), Christopher (Susie), Inge, Constance (Jeff), Theresia, Laurenti, and Katrina. Erika had sixteen grandchildren: Christina, Victor Jr, Mia, Melissa, Samantha (Rudy) Nicholas (Gabrielle), Mark (Laura), Eric (Allyson), Michael (Kassie) Matthew, Thomas, Jeff (Tarrah), Aaron, Will, Mara, and Natalie. She had ten great-grandchildren: Austin, Ari, Nora, Ella, Emily, Jeff Jr, Nathan, Noah, Olive, and Hesse. Erika is predeceased by her beloved sister Inge (Rudolph), her niece Christiane Volkman, and her husband Aaron Wright.

Erika’s first job as a teenager was with the Eussenheim post office, and from then on, she basically never stopped working. She spent 35 hectic but fun years working nights at the Walgreens Photo Studio. We think her diligence and personality made for better photos than her customers would have otherwise expected. That work ethic sustained her throughout her life, seeping into her craft projects, knitting, and crocheting. She was an avid reader, earned her GED as an adult, and passed her driver's license exam at the age of 44 (how DID she get all those kids around!!??). Ever the thrifty provider, she purchased her own home in the Austin neighborhood in 1976.

Her life outside of work was where her passions and purpose flourished. She was involved in several churches on the west side of Chicago, and through the St. Martin de Porres house, her children spent summers in Iowa as part of the Operation Friendship Exchange Program. She was an integral part of the African American community in the neighborhood and, through her example, was a model of how to bridge cultures and honor the basic humanity of all people. She was always close to religious communities and supported those called to serve, the nuns and priests.

Other pursuits included joining the YMCA bible study group, cooking, and baking. German food, cookies, and soul food were her specialties, and her greens were legendary. She loved Bingo, playing cards, and of course, all of her pets. She used to say you could tell all you needed to know about a person by how they treated animals. As if 8 children weren’t enough, she was always tolerant of the stray animals her kids brought home. She had a keen eye for the neighborhood birds and especially loved Dachshunds, inspired by her beloved childhood dog.

Everyone knew Erika. She hosted countless meals in her home, took in boarders, and helped to raise her grandchildren. She had a diverse friend group and loved to party until the wee hours. Despite her challenges as an immigrant, she forged an almost unbelievably rich and vibrant life. Although she hadn’t seen her beloved German relatives in years, we know they are linking arms and clinking glasses, continuing the party in the afterlife.

We are comforted in the knowledge that her end was peaceful, despite hanging on for much longer than anyone expected. She lived her life on her own terms, even in her final days. Prost and God Bless, Frau Erika!

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit

Der Gemütlichkeit

Zicke Zacke, Zicke Zacke, hoi hoi hoi!

memorial service

Mass of Christian Burial

May 24, 2021

St Giles Catholic Church 1045 Columbian Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA

There will be a visitation on May 23, 2021 at Salerno's Galewood Chapel from 3:00-9:00 p.m. 1875 N. Harlem Street, Chicago

SERVICE LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KBiDUq1XQU

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel