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Amy Erwin Obituary
Age 42, died tragically in Enumclaw, WA on May 27, 2011. Amy was beloved by her children, her family, and countless friends. As a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a teacher, and a friend, Amy touched the lives of many. Amy was known as a solid rock by family and friends alike.
Amy was born on May 1, 1969 in Seattle, WA. She is survived by her two children, Carson (13) and Tatum (7) of Enumclaw, her mother Carol Ann Hanford (and Harlan Solomon) of Olympia, WA, siblings Kathy Hanford, John Hanford, Denise Evans, and Dennis Hanford, niece Lindsay (nee Merz) and Kyle Anderson, nephews Jonathan Merz, Evan Merz, and Sean Hanford, and grandniece Rory Anderson and grandnephew Max Anderson. In addition to her family, Amy also leaves behind a close community of friends, neighbors, students, and colleagues. She was preceded in death by her father Denton Hanford.
Born in Seattle, Amy was the youngest of five siblings and was raised in Renton, Pullman, and Olympia. She graduated in 1987 from Timberline High School in Lacey, WA, and later went on to receive a teaching degree and master's from Washington State University. A teacher for nearly 20 years, Amy first taught kindergarten at Sunrise Elementary School in Enumclaw, WA. Amy has been a favorite kindergarten teacher and most recently a third grade teacher at Victor Falls Elementary School in Sumner. Amy was a teacher through and through - her students, fellow teachers, staff, and administrators meant the world to her.
Amy was known for her love of people, her devotion to her family and friends, and her commitment to her students. She loved hiking Mt. Peak in Enumclaw, traveling and spending time with friends and family, and above all, she loved being there for her two amazing kids, Carson and Tatum. She gave good hugs, had a wonderful smile, and always a ready laugh.
A service for Amy will be held at 1:00 pm on June 11, 2011 at Bonny Lake High School, 10920 199th Ave. Ct. E., Bonny Lake WA 98391. Memorial donations may be sent to a fund set up for Amy's children at Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) for Carson and Tatum Erwin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Amy Erwin
Debbie
February 20, 2024
I know you were happy to see Denise and your mom again! Cousin Debbie
Kristina Vandersnick
June 11, 2011
Words cannot express my sadness. I will always remember you Amy and will continue to keep Tatum close to us. Carol my prayers are with you. For me this was an instant friendship with someone who shared my birthday, my sense of humor, and who loved my daughter as much as I loved hers. We love you.
Joe & Sharon Hudon
June 10, 2011
May you rest in peace Amy, you and your children are always in our thoughts and prayers. You were such a dear girl when we first met you in Olympia as a classmate of Cecile's at middle school. It is a blessing to have known you and been included in your circle of friends the last being at Cecile's 40th birthday.
Joe and Sharon Hudon
June 9, 2011
Will love and miss you always, Amy. You were a bright spot on our 3rd grade team and in our whole school. Your laughter, your tenderness, your love of life will always live on in our hearts.
Karen Purvis
Connie SMith
June 7, 2011
Dearest Amy,
It's been 17 years since our son Chase graduated from your kindergarten class. Seems like yesterday that he came home singing the Cougar fight song you taught him! Having you as a guest at his high school grad party was such a special treat. Chase still has a photo of the two of you on his dresser. We want you to know that you have touched our lives in such an amazing way and we love you very much!
xoxo
Mike, Connie and Chase Smith
Jim Glick
June 7, 2011
Carol Ann and Harlan, our son Rick attended high school with Amy. I attended high school with Carol Ann although you probably don't remember me. Myra and I want you to know our hearts go out to you during this tragedy and our prayers are with you and all your family. Amy was an excellent teacher and well loved by everyone she touched during her short life.
Linda Voss
June 7, 2011
You were a very special teacher and touched many childrens lives in positive way. You will be missed. your were such a positive influence in my son's education. I pray for your children that have been left behind. may they know how special a person you were, and may your love stay on and evelope them and protect then forever. God bless you! and your memory.
Linda Voss & Travis Voss-Curry (kindergarter you blessed)
Michelle Heryford
June 7, 2011
My husband went to school with Amy and was shocked to learn she had died. Our prayers are with her family and children
June 6, 2011
Misty Norman
June 6, 2011
Mrs Erwin: You hold such a special place in our hearts. You have been such a huge Impact in my daughters life as her teacher this year. We pray for you and your family and all those who's lives you have touched.
June 6, 2011
Thank you for being SUCH a GREAT teacher to my girls...may you rest in peace...you will never be forgotten.
chris HOFFMAN
June 6, 2011
so very sad...my heart is with the family, kids and community...such a loss...I can only shake my head....and ask Jesus to hold you all...
Kathy Davis
June 5, 2011
Search Light Moms wants to tell you how sorry we are for the passing of your Amy. If there is anything that we can do for you please let us know. We as mothers understand the day to day pain as we search for answers.
Love and Blessings,
Search Light Moms
www.slmoms.com
Also on Facebook
Steve Bartlett
June 5, 2011
Amy, although it has been 24 yrs since I have seen her, I remember Amy as a great person to be around, always there for her friends and kind hearted. We will miss you Amy, Rest In Peace!
Steve Bartlett (Denver, CO)
Timberline Class of 87
June 5, 2011
It was my pleasure to know Amy and our prayers go out to her family that they will heal through this hard time. She will always be in our hearts. Our daughter Rylee had her as a teacher and is hit the hardest over this tragedy. She finds peace in knowing that our heavenly father is holding her right now. We love and miss you Amy!!
June 5, 2011
Amy was a good friend with our son, Joe, at Timberline High School in the 80's. They were both musicians then and did a lot of "gigs" together. We will always remember her smile and her sparkling personality. We are sorry she is gone so soon. Our thoughts are with her family and friends. Steve and Charleen Goodrich, Olympia, Washington.
Les Merz
June 5, 2011
Amy came into my life as a smiley, bright eyed five year old in 1975 while I was dating her older sister, Kathy. A few years later when Kathy were married Amy served as our beloved, precious "junior bride's maid" in our wedding. She was a welcome and constant presence in our lives and in our home throughout the years. Our three children, Lindsay, Jonathan and Evan, simply adored their Aunt Amy (Jonathan recalls the "burp & belch club" that they started). Amy was as much a big sister to them as she was their aunt. We all loved her so much and are grateful for so many great memories. Love and blessings to Amy's amazing children, Carson and Tatum, and the entire Hanford Family. Rest in peace, dear Amy! Cougar Nation will never be the same without you!
Son Duong
June 4, 2011
What can I say that hasn't already been said about this great person. Amy thank you for being a part of all our lives even though we didn't keep in touch. I know you will be greatly missed by all and the Blazer class of 87' will forever keep you in our hearts. Thank you friend with an unforgettable smile. We love you.
LaVonne
June 4, 2011
We will all miss you, Amy; you have touched so many of our lives in a positive way! Rest in Peace...
Son Duong
June 4, 2011
What do you say that hasn't already need said about this great person. Amy thank you for being a part of our lives even though we've never kept in touch. I know you will be greatly missed by all and the Blazer class of 87' will forever keep you in our hearts. Thank you friend with an unforgettable smile. We love you.
June 4, 2011
You gave my boys such a wonderful start to school in Kindergarten, I have so many fun memories of those years and will cherish them forever, including your pregnancy with Tatum, and how excited the kids in your class were! I'm glad I got to spend those days with you in Kindergarten! You will be missed greatly!
Birgit Cole & Michael & Jack Cole (Rocklin, CA)
Mary-Lee Merz
June 4, 2011
I remember Amy as a joyful, fun loving child who grew into a radiant, responsible adult committed to her family and career. Her smile would light up the room. My deepest condolence goes out to Amy's children, her family, friends and all the children she touched during her teaching career. We can all honour Amy by reflecting her generous spirit in our relationships with each other.
Brie Oestreich
June 4, 2011
CarolAnn, Carson and Tatum, Your (daughter) mom was an incredible person and larger than life. Time will heal your pain and your memories of Amy will always keep a smile in your heart.Love,laugh and live in her honor.
Tona ThunTaylor
June 4, 2011
We miss you Amy. May your family and friends find solace in the memories that will keep you in their hearts forever.
Esther Goffe
June 4, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Taylor Friend
June 4, 2011
"Ms. Erwin I will never forget your beautiful spirit and all the wonderful things you taught me. There's so many memories that I will treasure in my heart forever.Thank you for being a wonderful first grade teacher to me and a great friend to our family.You are missed very muched. I know you will be high above in Heaven watching down on us and smiling. I'll always be thinking about you. I love you.
Les Merz
June 4, 2011
Amy first came into my life as a smiley, bright eyed five year old in the spring of 1975, just before her sixth birthday. At that time I was dating her older sister, Kathy, while we were college students attending WSU (yes, Amy was a lifelong Coug). A few short years later Kathy and I were married and Amy served as our beloved "junior bride's maid" in our wedding. In the years to come Amy was a constant presence in our home, bringing love, joy and laughter into our hearts. When she was just 11, our first child, Lindsay, came into the world. Besides Kathy and myself, no one was more excited than Amy! She was just as much an older sister to Lindsay as she was an aunt. A few years later she would excitedly help welcome her new nephews into the family. First Jonathan and then Evan. She was not only a doting aunt, but also a role model to her niece and two nephews. As the years would pass we would watch with pride as Amy graduated from Timberlake High School and then continue a family tradition by attending and then graduating from WSU with a degree in education. When Amy decided to become an elementary school teacher it came as no surprise to those of us who knew and loved her. If anyone was ever born and meant to teach, that was Amy. There's no doubt that she had a positive impact on the countless students that she taught and mentored, as well as their families and the colleagues that she taught with. The only thing more important to Amy than her profession was that as her role as a mother. She unconditionally loved Carson and Tatum, providing them with a safe environment to not only grow and learn, but to thrive. Amy's enduring legacy of love will live on through them. Amy was a beacon of love and hope! Her boisterous laugh and indomitable spirit lit up every room that she entered. The world will never be the same without her and we're all richer for having her in our lives. Amy always stayed true to herself and touched the lives of her family, friends, neighbors, students and colleagues. She set the "bar high" and set a "shining example" for all to follow. Rest in peace, dear Amy, and go Cougs!
Jannifer DiBucci
June 4, 2011
I have so many fond memories of Amy. She was always sunny, so sweet....and that laugh, I will never forget that laugh, along with that smile. She was loved by so many. Always in my heart old friend, I will never forget you.
Alexia Sandifer
June 4, 2011
What a beautiful friend you were. My the Lord comfort you all during this time. Dr. Steven and Alexia Sandifer
Melissa Miller
June 4, 2011
The sudden loss of such an incredible daughter, mother, aunt, teacher, and friend can be devastatiing, but take comfort knowing that she is with God now watching over all of us. Amy was a true spirit and I have know doubt that her love will continue to shine on through her beautiful children. God bless.
Debi Kydland
June 4, 2011
Dear cousin Amy,
I still remember when you were born. We had our good times and bad. But through it all you were always loved. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved you, but especially to Carol Ann, Carson and Tatum. Rest in Peace sweet cousin.
Deborah Brewer
June 4, 2011
Amy's place in our life as teacher and friend to my children and my neices and nephew will forever be significant and unforgetable. Her love for people especially children was evident. The only thing I ever heard her complain about were her feet, (MAYBE occasionally the kids were too wild, maybe.) but not even a day wearing stylish but uncomfortable shoes could take away that grin. I would hope she's not restricted to "sensible shoes" now. Go Cougs! Thank you Amy. Carson and Tatum, thank you for sharing your Mommy.
June 4, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family at this time. God bless.
Georgia Grennan Michael
Traci Marang
June 4, 2011
Sending thoughts and prayers your way during this difficult time. Amy was loved by many. I will forever remember your infectious smile and laugh. R.I.P. Amy!
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