Diana Erickson

The daughter of Alison Bradley and Arline Shipman, Diana is survived by her loving husband, Walter Raymond (Ray) Erickson of 59 years. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Lauria (wife, Shirley); son, Jeff (wife, Jeanne) son, Scott, son, Eric (wife, Jennifer); daughter, Kristen (husband, Dr. James O'Brien); and her nine grandchildren: Gretchen, Kendall, Annaliese, Teagan, Max, Gabrielle, Lucy, Emmett, and Elliot.

Mrs. Erickson was preceded in death by her father, Alison Bradley; her mother, Arline Shipman; father-in-law, Walter Erickson Sr.; mother-in-law, Mary Erickson; brother, Gary Bradley; and her beloved sister, Carol Koppenhofer.

A lifelong resident of Toledo, Diana attended Central Catholic High School where she graduated with the highest academic honors and was crowned homecoming queen in the fall of 1959. Shortly after, she graduated with honors from The St. Vincent School of Nursing, where she attended on academic scholarship.

Diana met the love of her life in Ray Erickson, and they married at Blessed Sacrament Church on May 16, 1964. The couple shared a lifetime of true love and commitment to each other and, together, they made great things happen. When asked why he chose to ask for Diana's hand in marriage, Ray's answer was simple, "I didn't want to lose her."

Diana Erickson's passion in life was nursing. She worked for several years at St. Vincent in the intensive care burn unit, and in several private medical practices. But it was in 1969 that she took a break from her career to help her husband found Toledo Glass Service, ultimately entitled Erickson Glass and Stone Works. During those years, she worked tirelessly making a home, raising children, and managing everything from promotions to payroll and collections. She was, of course, always there when medical emergencies came up. Not just at the glass shop, but anywhere she happened to be at the time.

With the passing of the mid 1980s, she was back in school. She attended the University of Toledo, where she earned a bachelor's degree of science in nursing, and a master's degree of science in nursing-again with honors. Initially, this led her to working in the outpatient drug and alcohol treatment field.

Although this profession was very important to her, she found her true calling, which was working as the school nurse for both Deveaux Elementary School and Leverette Middle School. She cherished these roles and made an enormous number of friends in them. Many of these friends stayed in contact with her until the time of her death.

Mrs. Erickson's nursing care went far beyond the norm because she expanded her function into procuring grants for students in desperate need of medical procedures, sourced scholarship funding for underserved students, and even provided expert testimony involving grave domestic cases. It was well known that "Mrs E" was a stoutly capable ally when it came to safeguarding any and all aspects of a student's welfare. It is no understatement to say that every single student was important to her, and no measure of effort was too much to invest. After her retirement, Diana pursued volunteer work by teaching classes at Christ Child Society of Toledo. She enjoyed volunteering, and continued her involvement until her own health prevented her from doing so.

As seriously as she approached her career, Diana participated in many activities and hobbies, which she enjoyed immensely. She was a voracious reader and held membership in several book clubs. It was rare if you saw her without a book within a few feet away. Water aerobics was the form of exercise she most enjoyed, and she always looked forward to the camaraderie she shared with her friends there.

As diligent as Diana was, she loved to travel. To the delight of her family, she was able to road -trip to Snowshoe with Ray for one last summer vacation. She also spent a great deal of time vacationing in northern Michigan with a very special group of friends that she and Ray held closely. In the later years, their activities up there included exploring destinations and entertaining. The earlier years there, however, were a little more "spirited". Diana snow skied, snowmobiled, and even did a little bit of motorcycle riding. She actually owned a Suzuki dirt bike and several snowmobiles over the years and was proficient in piloting them.

Most dear to Diana was the time she spent with her family. She stayed in close communication with her children and grandchildren through the best of times, as well as the difficult ones. Without question, the greatest source of vitality and healing for her was spending time with her grandchildren. Lovingly addressed as "Grandma DI" and G-ma, she enjoyed the type of love and attention from them that (without question) comforted in her illness and extended the quality years of her life.

Finally, and most important in Diana Erickson's life was her relationship with Jesus Christ. She found her purpose through Him. And in so many ways, He worked through her. In her final years, she wasn't able to attend Mass at Christ the King Parish, which was the favorite activity in her week. She did, however, continue to grow in devotion to her Catholic faith.

We will miss her physical presence deeply, while keeping in mind that she will always be with us. All of her homework assignments are complete. Straight A's.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 4-7 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, OH. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christ Child Society of Toledo, P.O. Box 352254, Toledo, OH 43635.