HERDIS ERIKSSON

Greenfield, MA - Herdis Eriksson of Greenfield, MA passed away at home on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the age of 67.

Herdis was born on July 15, 1955, in the seaside fishing village of Grindavík, Iceland, to Hafdis Hildugannarsson (1936-2016) and Halldór Hildigunnarsson (1935-2005). A proud immigrant, Herdis and her parents arrived in Holyoke, MA in 1965.

Herdis made all of Western Massachusetts her home, living over the years in Whately, Northampton, Hatfield, Florence, and Greenfield. She was a dynamo and a self-made woman. In her nearly half a century career, Herdis built a reputation not only as a top-notch hair stylist with a dedicated following, but as a confidant, cheerleader, dear friend, and support system for everyone who passed through her door. In addition to her generosity of spirit, Herdis spent much of her life volunteering with and supporting organizations close to her heart.

Those lucky enough to be brought into Herdis's world will remember her unmatched warmth and generosity, megawatt smile, chic style, and quick wit. She was a phenomenal cook, the ultimate hostess, an avid traveler, a natural gardener, a voracious reader, a caring friend, and a loving mother and grandmother.

Herdis is survived by her daughter, Cody McBurnett, son-in-law Douglas Friend, and grandson Waylon Douglasson of Brooklyn, NY and her son Jesse McBurnett and daughter-in-law Kellen Bing Li of Holyoke, MA. She also leaves her "sister" Belinda Theriault and half-brother Dori Hildigunnarsson.

Herdis found beauty in everything, but, moreover, gave so much of it to the world in her capacity as an artist. Everything is a little less beautiful today. If you were fortunate enough to be touched by her, please know that her family's hearts are with you. A celebration of Herdis's life will be held in the new year; please look for details soon.

In lieu of flowers, Herdis's family would like for donations to go to Safe Passage (https://safepass.org/) or the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts (https://www.foodbankwma.org/). Czelusniak Funeral Home is in charge.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Dec. 20, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Herdis Eriksson

12 Entries

Anonymous

April 6, 2024

I miss you so much my dearest friend.

Wally Greaney

July 26, 2023

I´m so sorry to hear about Herdis´s passing. We grew up together in Springdale and were childhood sweethearts. I used to go to her house for lunch everyday from school. Her mom made lunch for us. We stayed friends through out high school and beyond. I tried to call her shop about 4/5 years ago but she had sold by then. I have so many memories. Very sad to hear. RIP Herdis

Stephen Pontz

July 25, 2023

I remember Herdis from when she started grade school in 1965 in third grade at Metcalf School. she was always smiling and so friendly. but the one thing i remember of her was her walking in and being intrduced and she rattled off the alphabet in her native language then repeated it in english the whole class was spellbound by her then lol rip old school friend

Patricia Gough Mason

March 15, 2023

Deepest condolences to Herdis´s family and loved ones.
I met Herdis in Junior High, then onto Cosmetology school as we attended Holyoke High school together.
We were best of friends and understood each others lives. Both went on to work in the business and become entrepreneurs opening our own at a very young age.
I moved away and we drifted apart, involved in our own lives.
(No smart phones back then)
March15th and I just leaned of her passing. I´m deeply saddened as I know anyone who knew her feels this loss. I was blessed to have known her.
Rest in peace Blessed One. You are amongst Angels.
Patricia Gough Mason

Debra Mayer Sexton

February 8, 2023

My deepest condolences to Herdis´s family. I remember Herdis from the Springdale days in Holyoke, 6 th grade. She was always a beautiful girl, loved her mom and dad. She then moved up hill to Knollwood Circle in Holyoke and we drifted apart, she went to Lynch junior high and I went to Lawrence. In high school she was in the cosmetology class and I was in the Nurses aid course at Dean Vocational.
I´m sorry I never ventured out to see her in Florence at her salon
I have so many good memories of her, her family and her dog Suzy, a Dachshund who she loved.
Again I am very sorry for you loss, she was an amazing beautiful girl who brought joy to everyone she knew

Naomi & Carlos Romero

January 29, 2023

Condolences to the family from the Romero family in California. We were close to Hafdis, Herdis' mom, and found out about Herdis while looking to see if she was still residing in the Northampton area. We have fond memories of Jesse & Cody when they visited their grandma in California. So sorry for your loss.

Patrick M

January 12, 2023

I´m sorry to have heard of her passing. We worked together a long time ago and I always liked her. My condolences to the family.

Dorothy Green

December 31, 2022

Dorothy Green. I have fond remembrances of Herdis a fine feminist.

Samantha ross

December 25, 2022

I miss you so much and was looking forward to breaking in the new year with you . And reaching out to hold your hand as I always did. I hope you're having fun with all your loved ones good bye my love.

a.j. mott

December 24, 2022

Herdis was a special person to know! If you did'nt know her you missed out! She cut my hair 49 years ago, for my wedding day! God bless you!

Joanne McWilliams

December 20, 2022

Herdis will be missed by the many whose lives she touched. My sympathies go out to her family.

Louise Farrelly

December 20, 2022

We shared some great times, forever in my thoughts!

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