November 16, 2021
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Erika Caulien, on November 16, 2021. Beloved mother to Sheila Caulien, Sandra Caulien and Rita Caulien Brown. Oma to grandchildren Monique, Julien, Claire and Adam. Erika is also survived by her daughters' father, Bernhard Caulien, and brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews in Germany. Predeceased by her dear mother Johanna in 1972.
Erika was born in Czechoslovakia in 1934 and immigrated to Canada in 1958 to start a new life after the trauma of WW2. She married Bernie and they settled in Kitimat BC and had 3 daughters. Those years in Kitimat raising her family with many friends around were the best years of her life. In 1971 the family moved to Coquitlam, and later on when her children grew and settled in Maple Ridge, Erika downsized to a condo close by. Her daughters and grandchildren were the apple of her eye and she was good with a needle and sewed clothes for her daughters, and liked to knit as well. She loved watching "something to laugh at" on TV. She was a hardy, thrifty woman but always generous with her family. She was known for her signature dishes: borscht, beef and spaetzle with lots of gravy, homemade deep fried French fries and doughnuts for all the kids, Frankfurter Krantz torte and any kind of "kuchen." Although she battled depression a lot of her life, she lived the illness on her terms and left a legacy of independent, determined women who will miss her everyday.
She believed in Christ and faith, and we know she is in heaven at peace with our Heavenly Father, having a little drink and listening to her favourite singer, Tom Jones.
"It's Not Unusual," Mom, to be loved by anyone. Forever in our memories and hearts. We love you and will be together again one day.