Donna Lee Erikson

Donna Lee Erikson, 63, formerly of Benton Harbor, died at Yavapai Hospital in Prescott, Arizona on Saturday, January 20th, 2007. Her passing was peaceful after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00A.M., Friday, January 26, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, Michigan with Rabbi Michael Rascoe officiating. Burial will follow in Bnai Shalom Cemetery in Benton Harbor. Visitation is from 10:00A.M. to 11:00A.M., Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Donna was born February 26, 1943, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Harold and Charlotte (Rothchild) Alberts. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School, and then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. Donna taught elementary and middle school at Benton Harbor, Indianapolis, and Palm Springs Public schools, spanning a career of over 25 years. Loving Mother, committed friend and nurturing wife, Donna will be remembered not only for her beauty, but also for her never-ending energy and passion for life. She loved her friends, her animals, traveling, and antiques, but her family was her life. Donna had a unique, genuine way of touching those around her. Her laugh and smile will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched. Donna will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her. The strength and courage that she showed during her battle with cancer was an inspiration to all who knew her. The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind gestures of love and support. Donna is survived by husband George Erikson of Prescott, AZ, son Dan (Marianne) Winters of Burbank, and their children Josh, Mariah, and Nicole; daughter Laurie (Dave) Marszalec of St. Joseph and their children Samantha and Jack; daughter Shelly White of Vicksburg, MI, her fiance Earl Burhans, Shelly’s children Sarah and her fiance Renele DelaTorre, Kristin, and Lauren; great grandchild Alexus; brothers – Jerold (Phyllis) Alberts, their son Joe Arthur “Buddy” (Cindy) Alberts, and their sons Ben and Charlie. She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Charlotte Alberts