Obituary of Mary & Elgin Erickson

ERICKSON: Mary (nee Irwin) - A lifetime resident of Chatham, Mary Erickson passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the age of 89, surrounded by her family. Born in Chatham, Mary was the daughter of the late Maurice and Blanche (White) Irwin. Beloved wife of 67 years to the late Elgin (October 17, 2016). Loving mother of Saundra Smith of Chatham, Irwin 'Ike' Erickson of Chatham and Laurie Pateman (Jerry) of Tecumseh. Proud grandmother (Nana) of Denean Smith (John Macuda), Dana Allison Grocott (Brian Williams), Meredith Erickson, Sarah Mueller (Jonathan) and Jordan Pateman (Courtney Stowe). Great-grandmother (Nana) of Livya and Caety Macuda, Brooklynn and Aislynn Grocott and Charlotte and Henry Mueller. Predeceased by her brother Jack Irwin of Merlin. Mary retired from the St. Clair College School of Nursing after many years of administrative service. She was very dedicated to all of her family and friends, and of course her husband Elgin. These two love birds were inseparable and an inspiration to many - so inseparable, that Mary joined Elgin within five days of his passing. Elgin retired as the Plant Accountant at International Harvester after 42 years of service. He was a member of the Parthenon Lodge, No. 267 A.F. and A.M. and the Scottish Rite. Elgin will be remembered for his wit and charm. Family of Mary and Elgin will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. until the Masonic Service for Elgin at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Mary and Elgin's life will follow. Cremation has taken place with a private family interment to be held at a later date. Special thanks to Dr. Kate Bailey for her care over the years, the staff at St. Andrew's Residence and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance nursing staff for their compassion and professional care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.