Judith Erickson

In a world characterized by transient things, the enduring purity of a human soul leaves an indelible mark upon those it touches. Judith Fababier Flores Erickson, a vibrant spirit, an embodiment of love, and a paragon of selflessness and bravery, departed this life on January 23, 2025. She did so from the comfort of a hospital room, but more importantly, she slipped from this world surrounded by the warmth and love of her family and dearest companions. 

Born on October 5, 1953, in the picturesque setting of San Marcelino, Philippines, Judith was the cherished daughter of Felix and Revelina Fababier Flores. Her formative years were spent amidst the verdant beauty of her homeland, where the foundational values of family loyalty, respect for elders, and unconditional love were first instilled in her heart. It was at Saint Williams that Judith embarked on her educational journey, traversing through grade school and high school with an earnest curiosity and an ever-present smile. These early experiences would shape the woman she was to become, influencing a life dedicated to fostering connections and nurturing those she loved.

Judith's migration to Kenosha, Wisconsin was a significant chapter in her life, marking a journey that would witness her creating a nurturing home and leaving a lasting legacy far from her birthplace. In Kenosha, she found not just a sanctuary for her family, but the venue where her life would weave a rich tapestry of friendships, careers, and community ties.

She was united in matrimony with Douglas Erickson, with whom she formed a loving partnership that was testament to her belief in unconditional love and her unwavering dedication to family. Together, they nurtured two beautiful daughters, Judee Ann and Katrina, teaching them through example the values that Judith held dear: to respect all, find beauty in the minutiae of life, and above all, to love unconditionally.

Judith's professional journey began with her role as a personal and commercial bank teller-a career she chose because it afforded her the opportunity to connect with individuals on a meaningful level. For seventeen years, Judith served dutifully in this role, not merely executing transactions, but offering kindness and understanding to every client fortunate enough to encounter her. Her career was distinguished by her diligence, her professionalism, and the respect she garnered from colleagues and clients alike, eventually leading her to retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and trust.

Outside of her professional life, Judith was a woman of varied interests, each one pursued with her characteristic enthusiasm and zest for life. Known for her culinary prowess, cooking was more than a hobby; it was an act of love. Each dish she crafted was a celebration, a conduit through which her warmth and hospitality were conveyed. Her kitchen was a sanctum of flavors and smells, a place where family and friends gathered, cementing bonds over shared meals and laughter.

An avid shopper, Judith appreciated the art of finding beauty in little things, demonstrating this through her keen eye for detail and her ability to find joy in the simplicity of a new acquisition. Music was another of her passions, and karaoke emerged as her chosen form of expression. The microphone was her wand, her voice ringing out like an incantation, bringing joy to everyone in proximity.

Spending time with her cherished granddaughters-Jada, Emilee, Liliana, and Tesla-and her great-granddaughter, Alani, was the highlight of Judith's life. Her influence on them was profound, not only as a grandmother but as a teacher of life's most valuable lessons-grand lessons shared through small, cherished moments. In games of mahjong or tending to her much-loved garden, Judith found profound joy and tranquility.

Her siblings, Elizabeth Copiado, Edgar, Jeffren, and Israel Flores, remember her as a loving sister, always ready with a listening ear and an open heart. Her ability to weave bonds across distances ensured they always remained close, a testament to her embrace of family values and her unyielding belief that love transcends all.

Judith's life will be commemorated with a visitation at St. Brigid Parish - Our Lady of Humility, 10655 W Wadsworth Rd, Beach Park, IL, scheduled to take place on January 30, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.. Followed directly by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. It will be a time for her loved ones to come together, to remember and celebrate a life that was as impactful as it was inspiring, a life that was lived with dignity, grace, and an acceptance of all that it encompassed.

In summation, Judith's life can be distilled into three apt words: loving, selfless, and brave. Her legacy of kindness to all, her unwavering spirit of endurance, and her capacity to remain loving in the face of adversity leave her family with a poignant void, yet simultaneously with a profound sense of gratitude for having been blessed by her presence.

Judith Fababier Flores Erickson was more than the sum of her resumes or the list of places she lived; she was a comet whose trail of light persists in the hearts she touched. As her family continues on without her physical presence, may her spirit of love guide them, and may they always remember to live by the lessons she so gracefully imparted: to love without conditions, to respect all, and to always find beauty in life's small wonders. Her memory will forever shine bright in their lives as a beacon of enduring love and inspiration.