Joyce Joy Erickson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joyce “Joy” Erickson, age 70, died on Monday, December 22, 2014, after being struck by a hit and run driver in Dewey, Arizona, while on her way to celebrate her new granddaughter’s first Christmas. Born September 11, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to Harry and Irene Klamborowski, she grew up in Buffalo and graduated from D’Youville College in 1968. She lived for many years in Spokane, Washington, and Sandpoint, Idaho, before moving to Dewey in 2008. Joy spent much of her life traveling the world as an international flight attendant, first for Pan Am, and later for World Airways, from which she retired in the spring of 2014. She spent time in Laos during the Vietnam War working with the Tom Dooley Foundation providing education, aid and relief to war refugees. She also worked as a school nurse and raised two great kids. Joy loved nothing more than hopping on a plane for a new adventure with a friend or family member, whether taking in the cultural sights of Europe, trekking through the jungles of Southeast Asia, or exploring ancient ruins in Egypt. Most recently, her greatest happiness was spending as much time as she could with her granddaughter. In recent years, Joyce preferred to be called “Joy.” It was a very fitting nickname because she brought joy to so many of her friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Joy’s survivors include her daughter, Amy Erickson (Quentin Vaughan) and granddaughter, Ingrid, of Livermore, California; her son, Eric Erickson (Ashley McCloud) of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; her sister Sue Allison (Marty Beatty) of Cornville, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews. Her parents and her sister Margaret “Peggy” Wasielewski preceded her in death. The family will hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dooley Intermed International at www.dooleyintermed.org. Condolences, stories, memories or photos of Joy’s adventures may be sent to the family via the guest book at the Hampton Funeral Home in Prescott, Arizona, at www.hamptonfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Joy Erickson

September 11, 1944 - December 22, 2014