Erika S. Peoples' Obituary
"If I can be half the grandmother ("Oma") my mother was to my children, to my own grandchildren someday, I will be a wonderful and extraordinary Oma" Liz Peoples
Erika Schenkel Peoples (1940 - 2018) passed away peacefully at the HCH Hospice Care Center in Newport Richey FL with an incredible team of hospice caregivers and her daughter Liz by her side.
Erika Peoples, born in Germany, came to this country with her husband Wes in the early 1960’s. She had a head for numbers and worked hard, first in the bank, followed by her book keeping, accounting and dedication to and for the family business: Peoples Laundry in Natick MA. Erika was also very proud to have worked for the Wellesley College Club for 20+ years before retiring in 2001.
For those who knew Erika, “Oma”, “Tante Erika” or “Big Troubles”, Feisty and Spirited are some words that have been used to describe her. She lived life on her terms no matter the doctor’s orders; she was a lifetime pet lover, she loved to laugh, be with her family, friends and her dog “”Happy”. Erika was bold, uninhibited, courageous and always game for travel and amusement. She spent many joyful days in and around the Squam Lakes over the past decades.
Oma Erika especially loved to cook and have dinner parties. She loved to dance and attend karaoke. She used to like watching hockey and movies and had a knack for knitting and driving fast. Oma was crazy about her grandchildren Sydney and Graham and she also loved all of her friends and family here in the US and overseas.
Erika is survived by her daughter Elisabeth Peoples; grandchildren Sydney & Graham Pogue; Brothers Rudolph, Walter, and Erich Schenkel their wives Karen, Gabi, and Heidrun; Her nieces: Jutta, Susanne, Claudia and Daniela and their beautiful families.
Oma Erika attended the Lutheran Church and her expressed wishes were to be cremated and scattered over the ocean. She also wished that in the spirit of memorial, donations be made to The Home for Little Wanderers in Boston: http://www.thehome.org/site/PageServer
The family is planning Celebration of Life Memorials in the Boston area (Sept. 30th, 1pm - 330pm at the Wellesley College Club - Wellesley College) and in FL (Heritage Pines Clubhouse) - within the next weeks. Please go to legacy.com for updated information.
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