Beverly Aleta Erickson

1928 - 2015

Beverly Aleta (Button) Erickson "BABE" age 87, of Elmira Heights, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (March 4, 2015) following declining health. She was the only child born to the late Clifford and Ruth (Fuller) Button on January 15, 1928 in Wellsville, NY. Beverly enjoyed an idyllic childhood roller-skating around the streets of Wellsville as well as riding her horse High Tones Lady throughout the countryside. After graduating from Wellsville High School in 1945, she attended her parents Alma Mater, Alfred University. She was a member of Pi Alpha Pi Sorority where she formed many lifelong friends, all of whom she treasured until the end. In 1949, after graduating from AU with a Bachelor's Degree she took a job teaching 7th grade science in a little village called Elmira Heights, NY. Her classroom happened to be across the hall from a handsome "local boy" who was the 7th grade Social Studies teacher. Thus began a love affair that was united in marriage on June 28th, 1952 and lasted just shy of 63 wonderful years.

After "retiring" from teaching to focus on raising her growing family, Beverly remained active in the local community. She was a faithful member at Oakwood United Methodist Church where she coordinated the food pantry facilitating its growth from a holiday program for the needy year round. She devoted her time and talents to being a creative and entertaining troop leader for The Girl Scouts, was a member of The Home Bureau as well as coordinated read-a-thons at local schools for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Beverly's interests were as numerous as they were varied. She felt most at peace outside taking in the splendor of nature, whether it was walking in the woods, lazing on the beach of her "Valhalla" on Lake Nosbonsing, Ontario, Canada or creating a masterpiece for all to see in her flower gardens. People would often remark, "Oh, you live in the red house with all of the flowers!" One of her greatest achievement was her impact she had in the lives of her family, friends and even strangers. Her outgoing "chatty" nature often inspired others to recognize their own potential for growth and inner talents. She was a strong willed independent woman who often said whatever she was thinking. Her scientific knowledge, creative mind, kind heart and the sparkle in her eyes inspired others to think outside the box. Her ultimate achievement and what she was most proud of was her legacy, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She left this world giving her family and friends the peace of knowing that they were loved and appreciated.

Beverly is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Kenneth J. Erickson; beloved children: Sheryl Capozzi of Liverpool, NY; Alan (Mary) Erickson of Elmira Heights, NY; Kevin (Norma) Erickson of Cuba, NY; Alyssa (Raymond) McGoldrick of Cooperstown, NY; "Deema", to her adored grandchildren: Aubrey and Emily Capozzi; Joshua, Jonas (Amy) and Brian Erickson; Zachary Erickson, Sarah (Dave) Wing, Katie (Jared) Morgan; Aisling, Ciara, Fiona and Anya McGoldrick; much loved great-grandchildren: Adrianna, Angelyna and Jovanni; Olivia; Brayden and Logan; Matthew and Ava; Madison, Parker and Evelyn.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Oakwood United Methodist Church, 212 Oakwood Avenue, Elmira Heights, NY on Thursday, March 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. or on Friday, March 13 from 10 to 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow the Friday morning visitation. Pastors Fred Dyer and John McConnell will officiate. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery. The family would like to thank with heartfelt gratitude to those who cared for Beverly. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Border Buddies Ministries Inc. Team # 32 P.O. Box # 1254 Elmira, NY 14902. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY. Beverly's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.