Gloria E. Erickson nee Nelson entered her Heavenly home on June 12, 2024.  Her daughter Ellen was with her when she passed away peacefully at Covenant Living in Northbrook.  Throughout her lifetime, Gloria sought to share with others her deep gratitude for God's goodness, love, and faithfulness. In recent years, she continued to express her love for God while playing countless hymns of praise on the piano.  To God be all the Glory!

Gloria was born in Chicago on December 22, 1927 to parents Wilbert and Amy Nelson. Gloria's grandparents were all Swedish immigrants who had settled in Chicago during the 1890's, and many Swedish foods and traditions would continue to be enjoyed by each new generation of the Nelson family. As a teenager, Gloria attended Chicago Christian High, where her personal journey of faith in Jesus Christ began.  She desired to learn more about God through studying the Bible, which would become a lifelong priority and passion.  Those early years built a strong spiritual foundation in her heart.  After graduation, she studied for 2 years at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts in Interior Design.  During that time, she met Theodore R. Erickson whose family tree also included immigrant grandparents from Sweden.  Gloria and Ted were married in Chicago on September 24, 1949, and began their life together in Benton Harbor, MI where many lifelong friendships were established.

Following a heartbreaking loss of their firstborn daughter Anne in 1951, Gloria and Ted joyfully welcomed the arrival of 4 daughters born between 1953-1959.  Park Ridge became their new home in 1956, and South Park Church their new church family.  Gloria loved welcoming people into her life, and into the Erickson home.  She lived out the words of Romans 12:12-13… "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."  Throughout Gloria's life, her desire was to live a life pleasing to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Her understanding of God's Word equipped and enabled her to love, forgive, serve, encourage, and faithfully pray for her family and friends.

In the 1980's, Gloria and Ted celebrated their daughter's weddings, followed by the addition of 11 grandchildren...8 boys and 3 girls.  Gloria became "Mormor" and Ted became "Papa" to the grandkids living from coast to coast. During those days, there were many trips made to CA and NY, along with large family gatherings in Chicago. In more recent years, several grandchildren were married, and 12 great-grandchildren were added to the family.  Gloria and Ted shared 65 years together, experiencing God's faithfulness and love, until Ted passed away in 2014.

Gloria is survived by daughters Sandi (Gary) Orlando, Jeannie (Brian) Rathbun, and Ellen (Stephen) Hall, son-in-law Will (Kathy) Holm, grandchildren: Sarah (Jeff) Chan, Joe Orlando, Christopher (Jenna) Rathbun, Nathan Rathbun, Jeremy (Nicola) Rathbun, Aaron Hall, Trevor Hall, Stephanie (Mike) Yasko, Erick (Megan) Holm, Emilie (Stephen) Schimmel, Kyle (Abbey) Holm, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ted, firstborn daughter Anne, youngest daughter Diane Holm, parents Wilbert and Amy Nelson, and brother Bill Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, July 27 at South Park Church, 1330 Courtland in Park Ridge. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to South Park Church , India Rural Evangelical Fellowship , or Silver Birch Ranch .