Obituary of Erika Anni Clark

It is with great sadness that Richard F. Clark, and Heidi M. Brown announce the passing of their wife and mother, Erika Anni Clark (nee Kochling).

Erika died Tuesday, October 09, 2018 at Deborah Heart and Lung, Browns Mills, NJ.

Erika was born January 01, 1940 in Hagen, Germany.  She left her home country at the age of 19 in search of a better life in the aftermath of World War II.  She embraced and loved her new country, where she met and married her husband, Richard F. Clark. She was proud to become a citizen shortly before giving birth to her daughter, Heidi M. Brown.

Erika and Richard had a wonderful life, filled with travel, friends, and family.  She was intensely proud of her German Heritage and belonged to the Lakewood Maennerchor, and served with the New Jersey German Heritage Festival Committee for many years.  She was also a travel agent, and tour guide, focusing mainly on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Erika loved the beaches of the Jersey Shore, and was considered to be the unofficial “ambassador” of the J street beach, Seaside Park, NJ.  She would be there most days by 6:30 in the morning when weather permitted.

Erika also loved to go to Atlantic City with her husband, daughter, and son-in-law, and spent many holidays there celebrating.  New Year’s Eve was a particular favorite, as her birthday was New Year’s Day. It was wonderful for her to be surrounded by all of the excitement and lights at the beginning of each New Year…

Erika took great pride in taking care of her husband, her home, her garden, and raising her daughter.  She loved her daughter and son-in-law, John with all her heart, and they returned that love in full measure.  She always called John her “Mensch”.

Erika was preceded in death by her parents, Willi and Anni Kochling, and her brother Willi, and sisters Gisela and Annemie.  She is survived by her husband, Richard, her daughter, Heidi, and son-in-law, John, and in Germany, her sister and brother, Ursela and Franz, her brother-in-law, Lother, and several nieces and nephews.

Erika was a strong, stubborn, and courageous woman, and the world has lost a truly unique personality on this day.  We cannot express how deeply she will be missed.

“Oh Lord, you gave us a rare woman, and God!  We loved her well…”

At Erika’s request, there will be no service.  She will be cremated, and given a military burial at sea.  In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to Deborah Heart and Lung, 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mills, NJ 08015

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