Longtime Copiague resident and loving mother Edith Sylvia Erickson died Jan. 28, 2008 in Covina, California where she moved in 2001 to be with her sons. She was 80.

Mrs. Erickson worked in the cafeteria at Copiague's Deauville Gardens Elementary School in the early 1960s, then for several years at a jewelry box manufacturer in Lindenhurst, and later in Amityville for a circuit board manufacturer.

Born March 13, 1928 in Denmark to Christian Christensen and Johanne Pedersen, she came to the United States after World War II aboard the Queen Mary with her Uncle Peter who was visiting car makers. On that trip, she met her future husband, Ole Erickson, who lived in Valley Stream. She stayed in the United States, married Mr. Erickson and the couple lived in Copiague for 44 years.

She loved to travel and was also a gifted artist who painted, did needle point and crocheted. She was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amityville.

Mrs. Erickson leaves behind her sons: John and Christian and his wife Tessie of California; her siblings: Peter and Mimi in Denmark. She was predeceased by her husband, Ole, in 1999.

She reposed at Pierce Brothers Mortuary in Covina, California on Feb. 2, 2008. A Memorial Service was said at Trinity Lutheran Church in Covina, California on Feb. 9, 2008 followed by private interment.

Donations in Mrs. Erickson's name can be sent to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.