Erika Rosemarie Clarizio, age 87, passed away at home on Friday, February 3, 2023, two days before her 88 ^th birthday.

Erika is survived by her three daughters, Claudia (Eric) Zimmer, Nancy Clarizio, and Christine (James) Grove; grandchildren, Thomas, Katherine, and Sarah Zimmer, and Ethan and Aidan Grove; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, Edward, Erika was also preceded in death by her grandson, Evan Edward Grove, brother, Erich, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harvey and Donna Clarizio.

She was born on February 5, 1935, in Nuremberg, Germany, to Anton and Maria (Reich) Meinhart.

An adventurous spirit, Mom decided that she wanted to see the United States in-person after enjoying so many American movies.  When she was just 24 years old, she independently ventured to Canada in 1959 and then on to Detroit in 1960.  She always kept enough money for a plane ticket home to Germany, but after meeting Ed, the love of her life, she only returned for visits.  They married on February 11, 1961, and enjoyed 36 years of marriage before his passing on December 1, 1997.

Mom was an incredibly dedicated wife, mother, and Oma.  She was selfless, kind, caring, strong, loving, patient, and forgiving.  Her listening and problem-solving skills were beyond measure.  We loved her delicious home-cooked meals and desserts. She was adept at home maintenance and repairs of all kinds, too.  She was an outstanding role model and was always there when we needed her.

Mom suffered a life-changing stroke in 2012 that impacted her both mentally and physically.  She greatly missed being able to walk without assistance and being able to drive.  While she did not completely return to her old self, she was very resilient and made great progress during her lengthy rehabilitation. She kept her great sense of humor and beautiful smile, never gave up, and still enjoyed life.  Mom continued to love spending time with her family, pets, and animals of all kinds, listening to Elvis, going for almost daily drives and park visits, traveling (on a smaller scale) and just being outside. She always appreciated a sunny day.

Words cannot adequately describe our wonderful mom and how blessed we feel that she was ours.  She was and will continue to be an inspiration to us and will be forever missed.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 N. Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530, on Thursday, February 16 ^th , at 1:30 p.m.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to Mass.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Michigan Humane Society or any animal charity of  the donor's choice.