Obituary of Erika Huising

Erika Huising peacefully passed away in her daughter’s home in Camden, Maine on November 10th2011. She was surrounded by her two daughters, Heidi and Saskia, her granddaughter, Natasha, and dear friend Bill. In 1922, Erika Strompf Huising was born into a loving family in what is now known as the country of Slovakia. She had a happy childhood, and frequently recounted memories of an earlier golden era, growing up in the town of Poprad. Her family was part of the Zips Deutch, which meant that Erika grew up speaking German. She also spoke Hungarian and Slovak, later becoming fluent in Dutch and English. As a young woman, Erika moved to Vienna, Austria and attended the University of Vienna. In Austria she met her husband, and soul mate, William Huising. There they married and had their first child, Heidi (Obolensky), during the tumultuous years of World War II. Erika’s great courage and strength of character were born out of surviving the chaos of war torn Europe. Post World War II Erika, William, and Heidi immigrated to Holland and had a second child, Jürgen. Several years later, seeking a brighter future, the young family immigrated to Canada where they had a third child, Saskia. Erika’s courage and commitment to nurturing and caring for her young family was again honed through the challenges inherent in being an immigrant and adapting to a new language and culture. In the 1960’s Erika and William moved to the U.S., finally settling in Southwick, Massachusetts. The couple enjoyed their later years in Massachusetts, living in a house of their own design, on a beautiful hill in the woods. Erika and William enjoyed vacations in Europe and frequent family gatherings, which included their children and grand children. After her husband died in 1994, Erika spent her final years living in Southwick with her beloved German Shepherds. She pursued writing, reading, embroidery, and spiritual contemplation. She continued to remain very close to her family, but her heart was so big that it easily encompassed the next two generations of family friends and acquaintances, who were quickly included in her familial embrace. Erika was a lover of music, literature, food, and good conversation. She brought intelligence, wisdom and kindness to this world. She frequently maintained that her purpose in life was simply “to love”. In this purpose, she was overwhelmingly successful, and has been a great teacher and consistent, loving presence for all those who have been lucky enough to know her. Erika is survived by her children: Heidi with husband Michael Obolensky, Saskia with partner Bill Halpin, and son Jürgen with wife Carrie. Erika is survived by her six grandchildren: Dimitri, Nicholas, and Natasha (Southworth) Obolensky; Damain, Anja (Ouellette), and Matthew Huising and five great-grandchildren: Isis Obolensky; Elijah Stewart and Rowan Obolensky; Victor Huising; and Kolja Ouelette. Erika’s interment will be Saturday, November 12th 2011 at 1:30pm at the Rural Cemetery (149 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740). Her memorial service will follow at 2:30pm at Allen’s Neck Friends Meeting House (643 Horseneck Road, South Dartmouth, MA 02748). All are welcome!