Obituary of Erica Daniels

Erica Michelle Daniels (Dalke) was born July 8th 1973 at home with the help of a midwife in the churchill area of Eugene Oregon, to Velma and Darrel Dalke. Erica was their 6th and final arrival, having been preceded by 3 sisters Deborah, Shari, and Beckie, and 2 brothers Jon and Tony. Erica was unexpectedly taken to heaven the night of February the 10th, leaving behind her darling Nico to be reunited with her loving sister Shari and her beloved Father Darrel. She was 46. Erica grew up in Eugene Oregon, and later in Roseville California. Erica was a very happy child and was doted on by her 3 teenaged sisters, and had her 2 older brothers to grow up with as well as 3 cousins Shane, Lori and Danny.Erica was also very close to her Grandmother Laura, spending many hours in her kitchen, like so many of the grandchildren and great grandchildren did. She became an Aunt for the first time in 1980 just before her 7th birthday, when her oldest sister Deborah gave birth to Michael, there was a strong sibling like bond between them as well as the with her niece Nicole born when Erica was 8 and nephew Jon born just after her 11th birthday. Erica spent a lot of time in her sister Debbie’s home and her sister Shari’s home having briefly lived with her and her husband Norm as a teen. Erica would become an Aunt 20+ more times and a Great Aunt 10+ in her life. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 8 which would cause her severe health problems in early adulthood. Erica never let her health problems slow her down, many people in her life were unaware of her diabetes for many years. Erica was active in choir and had a beautiful singing voice, she was also an excellent softball player and was well liked by her peers in school. In her early teens she would meet her best friend Shelly, who would remain so for the rest of Erica’s life, Shelly would later introduce Erica to Jeramy Daniels, the love of her life. Shelly’s family became Erica’s family and love and laughter grew there for over 33 years. Erica went to live with her father Darrel and step-mother Anna and her daughters Terry Carrie and Jennifer in Roseville California while she was in high school, she graduated in 1991 from McClellan high school and worked as a grocery bagger at Bel Airs. During this time Jennifer would give birth to Anna and Erica became an aunt once more, doting on Anna as Erica’s sisters had on her. Jennifer would have 3 more girls Kristen, Jestine, and Savanna, all four of these beautiful souls held Erica’s heart and she loved them deeply, there was not a single day in her life that she did’;t think about every one of these nieces, anyone who knew Erica knew this. Erica moved back to Eugene after graduation to go to a speciality training school through Delta airlines to be a ticket agent and get all of the travel perks that came with it. Sadly this plan would never come to fruition in spite of her completing her training courses and graduating, Erica’s diabetes began to attack her body and a series of severe health problems began ultimately leading to kidney failure and dialysis. In 2000 Darrel and Velma Dalke, after having been divorced for over 15 years,bought a home together in California with Erica and took care of her however they could, while she fought to live on dialysis and waited for the transplant call to come. Although Erica's years were short, her life was full of strength, bravery, gratitude, adventures, and love. Erica was blessed with two lives, having been the recipient of a donated kidney and pancreas on April 24th of 2001 after several long years of fighting to live while on dialysis. Erica became a Great - Aunt for the first time 8 weeks later when Nicole welcomed Sophia into the world. After one year of follow up care Erica was able to return home to Eugene Oregon, in 2002 with a new lease on life. Erica was quick to reconnect with family and friends. She stepped up to help her niece Nicole who was suffering from severe health problems, as much as she could and would happily take care of her great nieces,Sophia and Krysta whenever she could. Erica spent a lot of time in their home where laughter and love grew in abundance. Erica met the love of her life Jeramy Daniels in 2003 and her future Daughter Taylor in 2004. Erica went to the local community college to become a dental hygienist, but was unable to complete this course because of residual health problems. In 2007 Erica and Jeramy adopted their furry son Nico. He is currently 12 years old and misses his Mom who never missed an opportunity to shower him with love affection and care. Erica had a big love for her family. She never missed an opportunity to show it, and always worked very hard at every family get together to make it enjoyable for everyone. Whether it was cleaning cooking or yard care she showed up ready to work and every event she was involved with was always a success. She always remembered birthdays. Erica worked for a firm managing disabled adults money, and Erica also worked for a property management company with her sister Beckie and Becky's long term partner Donna. Erica had been working for her Aunt Mary for the last few years as a caretaker. On October the 5th 2008 Erica’s beloved Father passed away. He was also her best friend and favorite person. I suppose saying they were close will have to due but somehow it is lacking. The loss of Darrel gave Erica and Jeramy a new perspective on life and how they wanted to live it and they were married May 22, 2009. They had their wedding in July of 2010 where Erica broke her foot walking down the aisle, so she was unable to have her first dance or stand for too long but it did not stop her from smiling and enjoying her loved ones. Luckily her brothers Jon and Tony were there to walk her down the aisle. She married her best friend twice. Erica and Jeramy bought their home together in 2017 and worked on it for 2 years together with help from her brother Tony’s making it a beautiful place to gather and celebrate. Jeramy threw Erica a Hawaiian themed birthday party in 2019 and they hosted Thanksgiving that year as well. Erica became a Grandmother for the first time in November 2015 when Brantley was born and the second time in May of 2019 when Noah was born. She was thrilled to become a Grandmother. Erica and Jeramy went on countless adventures together, camping, kayaking, hiking, trips to the coast, as well as a Las Vegas Adventure for her 40th birthday. Erica was an accomplished pool player and played in local leagues as well as Lincoln city BCA tournaments yearly. Erica and Jeremy practiced playing pool together regularly. Erica was known to go above and beyond for those she cared for, and was always willing to share her time with those who needed it, to know her was to know love, strength, and true JOY. Erica helped almost daily to take care of her Sister Shari after she was diagnosed with terminal Cancer, she passed away September 23rd 2018. Erica was a pillar of support and love for many but most notably for the last few years for her mother Velma, accompanying her to her dr appointments and taking care of her anyway she could and spending time with her almost daily. Erica was always quick to smile over the little things and truly enjoyed those moments. She laughed often and it was contagious. Erica Daniels will be deeply missed for a lifetime…… Until we meet again A Celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. on February 29th 2020 at Calvary Open Bible 1116 Centennial Blvd. Springfield, Oregon