Erika Hasselmann, our beloved mother and best friend passed away peacefully at the age of 74, while holding her daughters hand, surrounded by the love of her son, daughters and son in law, at Matthews House in Alliston on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Erika, beloved wife of the late Juergen Hasselmann, our loving mother will be sadly missed by her daughter Manuela Kerr and husband Brian Kerr, her son Mike Hasselmann and wife Linda Hains (and her children Sharron and Erick), and daughter Maureen Hasselmann. She was a proud grandmother to Kristen Kerr (and her partner Dave Shirk), Brandon Kerr and Ashley Hasselmann, and proud great grandmother to Brooklyn Rose Shirk.
When our Mom wasn’t busy looking after all her cats and beautiful flowers, she enjoyed her time with all of her friends in Tottenham and spoke highly of each one of you. We hope that you remember her for the big heart, energy and strength she had and her warm smile when she saw you.
Erika’s family wish to thank all of the doctors and nurses at the Southlake Regional Cancer Centre and to all the nurses that came to visit her in her home each and every day to care for her and to make sure she was alright – a very special thank you to Pauline who spent extra time with our mom, supporting her with kindness and affection and helping her during this difficult stage of her life. Thank you to the kind staff at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston for their loving compassionate care and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Matthews House Hospice, 6028 Highway 89, P.O. Box 10060, Alliston, Ontario L9R 0B7 would be greatly appreciated.
www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Christian says
I have got to know Erika for over 20 years. I can’t believe how time can fly by this quickly. She has always been hard working around the house as well as caring for everyone around. Many times I made my way over to the “Hasselmann Residence” over the years. Erika always made me feel welcome and put me up in the upstairs room which was at some point referred to as the “President’s suite”. A few times we took a ride into town or to Newmarket for some errands or shopping. But most of the time we stayed at the house where Erika felt most comfortable. No matter how long or short I have visited, Erika gave me home away from home for however long it may have been without hesitation. Sadly, there won’t be another time however, I won’t ever forget about all the positive memories from those years behind. I am sure, Erika is at peace now joining her husband Juergen. I wish you, Manuela, Maureen and Mike and families a lot of strength during this difficult time of your loss. My condolences.
Carsten says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My condolences.
Michelle (nee Livingston) Berry says
I am so sorry for your loss Manuela, Mike, Maureen and families. I just found about your mom’s courageous battle with cancer and her passing. She was such an energetic, kind, fun loving, hard working lady. She took great pride in her lawns and gardens making them a show piece in the neighbourhood. I have very fond memories of your mom in my heart. May you all hug each other extra tight during this difficult time. My deepest condolences to you all…..
Manuela Kerr says
Life had changed when our father was unexpectedly taken from us almost seven years ago………we had our loving families to turn to for support and guidance to help us deal with our loss………….our mom was alone. A beautiful family home they created together and lived in for over 40 years was now missing a very strong reinforcement for our mother. It took some time, but family and friends let our mom know it was alright to laugh and live again. We shared our friends, experiences and travels with our mother to help her live and enjoy her life. Then, suddenly in the spring of 2010, our mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. A mastectomy and several lymph nodes were removed followed by extensive chemotherapy and radiation. Through all these sessions she had nothing but a positive outlook and a big smile for all those who treated her – after a year we were thrilled to learn that she beat the battle and tests indicated she was cancer free. We enjoyed life to the fullest with our mom, encouraging her to do things she normally would not have done, but all she longed for was to look after her property and her home which she and our father had built (and we must not forget all of her cats). For those who often drove by noticed that the property was immaculately groomed and her flowers bloomed like no others we had ever seen. This all came to an abrupt halt in the fall of 2013, when we learned that our mom’s cancer had metastasized to her bones, lungs and liver. Our mom’s face lost its youthful, jovial appearance because she had lost so much weight and became unrecognizable to some. The following year was filled with endless chemotherapy and doctor appointments. She remained positive and in good spirits and gathered strength from her family and friends, and from her friends she saw in Tottenham on a daily basis. She smiled every day and looked forward to the next………our mom never gave up……..she never complained and she never wanted to burden anyone. It was February of this year when the cancer starting taking over her body, and her strength and energy was slowly being drained from her. Although the oncologist advised that chemo treatments now would do more harm than good, she had not given up hope. She demanded chemo on her last couple of visits to Southlake…….she felt and wanted to get the strength and energy back just one more time. On March 24, 2015, her courageous battle was lost as she peacefully went to sleep with my brother, sister, my husband and myself by her side. Our most significant reinforcement was now taken from us……..the person who gave us life and took care of us is no longer a visit or phone call away.
A mother’s love and devotion cannot be explained…..the pain and emotion I am feeling now that you are gone is unendurable……..but because of you mom, and all your life experiences and knowledge you shared with me, I am the person I am today……..you helped me be the best mom and wife I can be. Your love, strength and memory will help guide me through life’s challenges that lie ahead………….your energy and good will be passed on to those who loved and cherished you the most………..your family and friends. I miss you so much…you will never be forgotten…….your daughter Manuela.
Monika says
Erika – what a strong and courageous woman. Our two families have been good friends for such a long time. We watched as you and Juergen worked so hard to build a wonderful house and home for your family. We’ve had so much fun together at the tai chi centre, and driving through the countryside totally lost and laughing about it. And we’ve had many wonderful visits together, enjoying dinner by the pool and listening to Juergen’s music. It’s so hard to say good-bye – but we have many, many cherished memories that will live in our hearts forever. You will be missed. Monika, Bill and the Bunning family
Kristen says
You’ll always be loved and remembered. Your voice and smile will always be with us.
Love you.
Loretta says
May your heart always be filled with your mom’s loving memories.
I felt lucky to have shared some stories together not so long ago.
Tottenham Flowers and Gifts says
We will miss that beautiful smile and words of encouragement here at the flower shop and at our visits to Southlake. Erika touched all of us deeply and will sadly missed. Sincerely, Cynthia, Dan, and the Staff at Tottenham Flowers and Gifts
Maureen Robinson says
Maureen, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. She was a lovely lady. I’m glad I had the chance to speak with both you and her over at Southlake in January. May she rest in peace.
Kim McReynolds says
Erika was a beautiful woman inside and out, her smile touched everyone she met. I had the pleasure of knowing her over a few short years and I know that she is resting in a beautiful, warm place watching over her wonderful family as they will miss her immensely.