Erika Lin Watson

WATSON, Erika Lin

Hearts are broken everywhere over the sudden loss of Erika Lin Watson, 21, of Middletown, beloved daughter of J. Stanley and Nancy (Thorpe) Watson, who died Saturday, (January 17, 2004) as a result of a motor vehicle accident in New York. She was born in Hartford and had lived in Middletown most of her life. Well known and widely beloved, Erika touched many lives with her happy, bright and energetic disposition. Many close friends, children she has shared her love with, and her heartbroken family are working to understand why such a beautiful person has been taken from us. Erika was strong and confident, always positive, though she had endured much pain in her life by the loss of other friends. She loved rainbows. She loved rowing on the Connecticut River, was captain of Middletown High School Crew as a Senior, graduating in 2000, and voted as "Most Unique". She was a student at Ithaca College in New York, studying the Art and Sculpture she loved. Erika was a familiar teacher of children at the Oddfellows Playhouse. She taught children to smile and be happy as they learned to walk on stilts, and gain the confidence to literally jump through hoops of fire at the Middletown Children's Circus Camp. She loved being outdoors, and helped children through the hottest days at summer camp, and the coldest days as a ski instructor at Powder Ridge and at Greek Peak ski area in New York. In college she made still more very close friends. She spent a semester in London, England and traveled in Europe, taking in the art and architecture of the masters. Although she shared her heart with many close friends, Erika held a special place in her heart for her dearest friends Anjana Hansen and Jason Harris, her housemates. She also shared a deep and personal part of her love with Aaron Stone and Chris Sullivan. Erika was a good girl. She danced in the bright lights on stage, played soccer in high school, and brought much joy into the hearts of her parents and her family. She brought smiles and happiness everywhere she went. Many have said that knowing Erika changed their lives. Erika was very devoted to her family life. She loved her brother Justin deeply as a best friend always. Together they shared the joy and magic of music, going to concerts, and sharing dreams. We never knew that our angel on earth could have a higher calling. When we reflect on the deep reservoir of love and happiness Erika possessed, it becomes clear that we, her family and friends, raised an angel. Taken in the happiest, and most beautiful time of her life, we now realize her work to come was not to be of this lifetime. We now realize we were blessed by the earthly life of an angel who was called to heaven to do the timeless work of mending broken hearts and bringing joy and happiness to those who need it the most. We can see her hugging the spirits of children, saying "Keep on Smiling". That's the way Erika would want it. Erika is survived by her parents, Stan and Nancy Watson; her brother, Justin; and her maternal grandparents, Albert and Phyllis Thorpe of Bristol. She also leaves behind her Aunts and Uncles, Norma Watson of Jamaica, VT, Lynda and Bob Krueger of Middletown, David Thorpe of Bristol, Debbie Thorpe of Bristol, Ken and Janet Thorpe of Bristol, and two cousins, Christopher and Jason Thorpe. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, John and Bertha Watson. The family has requested those attending Erika's funeral please wear bright colored clothing in her memory. The funeral will be Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m. in The Third Congregational Church, 94 Miner Street, Middletown with the Rev. Markham E. Dunn officiating. The burial will be private in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Friends may call Friday, January 23, 3-7 p.m. at The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield. Memorial contributions can be made in Erika's name to Children's Circus at Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, 128 Washington St. Middletown, CT 06457. To share a memory with Erika's family, please visit online at www.ctnow.com.