Obituary: Mary Ada Hibma Erickson - Class of 1929

MADISON - Mary Ada Hibma Erickson passed away peacefully Oct. 8, 2009, at the age of 97. Mary was born at home in Madison on June 23, 1912, to parents Otto Hibma and Ida van der Meij Hibma, both of whom were Dutch immigrants. She was raised and educated in Madison, attending Randall Elementary School, Central High School, and then graduating from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1933 with a bachelor of science degree in dietetics. Mary was a member of the Phi Omega Pi sorority at the U. of W., and a longtime member of Eastern Star. She married Robert William Erickson Sr. in 1933 and they lived in Madison during their early years of marriage. They moved to Waupun in the early 1940s, and then back to Madison in 1954. She was employed by the University Testing Bureau during the '60s and '70s; upon retirement she and "Bob" bought a farm in the Barneveld area and enjoyed many years on "The Farm." She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert W. Erickson Sr.; her parents, Otto and Ida Hibma; her siblings, Perry Hibma (Emma), Theressa Roberts (Chester) and Dr. Otto V. Hibma (Barbara); her son, Robert W. Erickson Jr.; an infant daughter, Barbara Jane; her grandson, Daniel Dean Perry; and niece, Nancy Hibma Kreklow. She is survived by her daughters, Connie Perry (Steve) of Penfield, N.Y., and Mary Pulley (John) of San Mateo, Calif.; her sons, Erik Erickson (Janice) of McFarland, and Jon Erickson (Betty) of Eau Claire; her grandchildren, Tami Olsen (Todd), Jennie Perry-Raymond (Jon), Erik Perry (Kris), Brek Perry (Tara), Stephanie Monday (Greg), Robert Erickson III (Emily), Tom Erickson (Jami), Kristen Tornow (Jeff), Erik Erickson (Heather), Shawna Droese (Mike), Erik Pulley (Dana), Austin Erickson (Jenna) and Brittania Cubas (Jorge); her great-grandchildren, Ashley, Mackenzie and Erik Olsen, Brek and Danielle Perry, Kate, Maddie, Calvin, Ella, Will and Mia Perry, Liam Perry, Alex, Peri and Nicholas Monday, Nolan and Hayden Erickson, Sam and Molly Erickson, Ben, Matthew, Nick and Sam Tornow, Ayden Erickson, Sophie, Tristan and Caden Droese, Taylor and Trevor Pulley, and Eve and Sevrin Erickson; and step-great-grandchildren, Ben and Chandler Hoeft. Mary was a dedicated, loving, kind and caring Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother who always put family first. She had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit that will certainly be missed. Her positive attitude and wise counsel provided strength and guidance to all. One of her favorite sayings was, "Whatever you do, do with your might, because things done by halves are never done right!" Her home always had an open door with food on the table for all visitors and a warm, welcoming greeting. She had many interests: music, books, sewing, traveling, ice skating, and entertaining friends and family. Her travels included several trips to Holland to visit the areas where her beloved parents grew up. She was so proud of her Dutch heritage. Treasured memories for Mary include her very loving parents and happy childhood, and the many summers spent at the cottage which her father built on Middleton Beach on Lake Mendota in Madison. In her retirement years she and Bob, after buying the farm, raised a variety of animals and always had room for the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved to be with Grandma and Grandpa, and who now have a treasure trove of so many wonderful memories of times at "The Farm." Visitation for Mary will be at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed immediately by services conducted by the Rev. Dr. Robert D. Sichta, Pastor, Barneveld United Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55414 in Mary's name, or to a charity of your choice. Special thanks to the staff at Capitol Lakes Terraces and the Capitol Lakes 3rd floor Health Center for their kind support and loving care of Mary in her final year.Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 6021 University Ave. (608) 238-840

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 14, 2009

Note: Mary Ada Hibma Erickson's class year is based on information in the 1929 Tychoberahn, where she is pictured among the members of the June graduating class.