Leona Skradski Erickson, age 91, formerly of 1407 North 16th Street; Escanaba, passed away on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba where she was currently residing.
Leona was born August 22nd, 1917 in Escanaba, the daughter of Mirko and Anna (Karbon) Skradski and was a lifelong Escanaba resident. After graduating from the St. Joseph High School in 1935, Leona attended Mount Mary College in Milwaukee where she received her Bachelors Degree in Education. She continued her education during her long teaching career and later earned a Masters Degree in Education and also a Masters Degree in Special Education both at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.
Leona taught in a number of schools including Felch, Kipling, Wells, Bark River, Soo Hill, and at Webster and Lemmer Schools in Escanaba. Before her retirement, Leona was also a teacher consultant for the Escanaba School System.
Leona was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Council for Exceptional Children and was a proud award recipient of
Anonymous
Leona was my first grade teacher who taught me how to type and allowed me to visit the library whenever I wanted! She was also a very dear family friend. I remember seeing her (walking of course) shortly after I graduated high school and I told her about my college plans to study computer science. She told me no, research was for me. After all these years I am back in college in health care research. She knew me better than I knew myself. I will forever honor and admire her, and be thankful that Leona Erickson was an important part of my life.
Jean (Crnich) Redd
Denver, CO
Your mother and the many wonderful memories she gave will be in your hearts for always. She raised terrific kids both her own and her students. The love and devotion between mother and children was such a fantastic two way street. Sorry we couldn’t be there in person to pay our tribute to Leona. Our sympathy and love are with you. Sincs & Vito
Mary Ann Vito
Rochester Hills, MI
Chris, Toni and all family–
I have such fond memories of your Mom from my years of teaching with her. She was an inspiration to all of us “young ones” and always had a smile. She made the world a better place!
Our Sympathy—
Kerry and Dorothy Doyle
Gladstone, MI
Mrs.Erickson was my First Grade Teacher at Webster school. She was a great teacher,always so kind. I will never forget her. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Tom Petaja
Greenfield, WI
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Ryan & Sarah Morgan
Seattle, WA
Leona was a special lady. We will all miss her. My kids have good memories of her fun visits and I am always grateful for her being there in all my life’s crises. Thoughts and prayers are will all of you
Donna Blair
Kodiak, AK
Marvis and family,
I’m soo sorry about your lost. I will try to call this weekend or you call me. I’m going to miss her too!
love always,
Cassidy Casper
Milan, MI
Toni, Steve and Family,
You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Sharon Milkovich Ralston
Monroe, MI
I met Leona a few times and she brought such sunshine in the room with her. I remember her always smiling. After meeting her I knew where toni and marvis inherited their smiles from. Your mother raised beautiful, caring, and full of life children and I know she is looking down smiling on us all.
God bless you all in this difficult time.
My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Laura Young
Gladstone, MI
Aunt Leona, When I was 13 and traveled with Mom and my younger brothers and sister to Escanaba you and I had the best summer! You took me to all the weddings and summer parties and we were quite the social pair! I never forgot how kind you were to me and what fun that was. I always think of you at weddings. 🙂 God Bless you now and always, may you forever rest in peace.
Robin Blair
Vashon, WA
Sorry to hear about your Mom, she was a great lady and a fun person while I was growing up. She will be greatly missed by all her knew her.
Paul and Mary Kangas
Escanaba, MI
We will always remember Leona as a kind, caring, and loving person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Birchmeier Family
Milan, MI
She was a great lady
Ardith (Bougie) Ross
Escanaba, MI
Dear Chris, Ted and girls:
Sue and I were saddened to see the obituary honoring the passing of your Mom & Grandmother in todays Daily Press on the internet. I wish we home to attend the wake and funeral, but we are still in Florida. We send along our deepest and most sincere condolences. We will remember her as a wonderful lady and great educator.
Dick and Sue Burroughs
Punta Gorda, FL
My deepest sympathies to you all. Chris, I loved your mother. She was one of the “women of north Escanaba” who kept St. Thomas going. I loved her spirit and she was a role model for me. I did not know of all her accomplishments until now. I know you will miss her. May her memory sustain you.
Wendy Erickson
Kalamazoo, MI
She was is lovely person who has been released from her suffering. May she rest in peace.
John W, Buckbee
Ann Arbor, MI