The obituary notice of Erika SLATER

Erika was our amazing colleague and our friend, who was very dedicated to caring for people with young onset dementia.

Whenever Erika was in the office the place felt brighter; always wearing her iconic matching berets and colour coordinated outfits. We nicknamed her our 'office entertainer' because of her infectious laugh, hilarious stories, and one-liners; we joked with her that our team newsletter should have an 'Erika's Corner' section of all the funny things she had said that month! We were honoured to help Erika celebrate her 50 years of nursing milestone recently, an incredible achievement she was very proud of.

Erika truly brought warmth and laughter to everyone she met. Her patients and carers valued her greatly and have all expressed great sadness to us at her passing. So many have told us that she changed their lives and made getting a dementia diagnosis a bit easier for them. Erika set up YODEL (Young Onset Dementia Enjoying Life), a drop in for people to find friendship and support, and the bonds she helped to create continue to support many people. She has left a legacy to be proud of that we will continue to take forward, always sharing our stories and memories of the wonderful person we were privileged to work beside.

We will miss you so much Erika. x

Erika. My beautiful older sister and best friend. I don’t know how to express all the memories I have had with you. From coming to live with you at 17 years old learning all the good things and bad things that life has in store. And you always being there for me even when I made the wrong decision in life. Never judging me or my children just helping. Always the fun loving sensitive aunty and sister. Driving in the snow to get to me when I was low and not quite feeling life. The disagreements we have had and always met each other on the same day laughing when we saw each other both coming to say sorry. All the weekends when you surprised me with we’re going out for the night. That’s all I’ll say in here about that lol 😂. How you spent weeks with me at the most crucial times in my life. But you just wouldn’t let me help you. You were always laughing dancing full of glitter and the brightest of colours. Lots of holidays together and there were meant to be lots more. I will miss you sooooo much it’s unexplainable. You were such a great nurse and loved your children no matter what and I know you loved your grandchildren. Always there for any waifs and strays you could find lol 😜 and definitely leaving your presence with them. No one who met you will ever forget you. I know I won’t. Carry on dancing and smiling big sis and save that chair for me. Until we meet again xxx Jo.

Auntie Erika - you will be remembered by so many for touching lives in different ways. For your love of music, dancing and larger than life personality. But I will remember getting advise and being told off for being cheeky as a teen, being paid a fiver to clean your car and getting to keep any fags I find, sharing a volcano cocktail tray and joking there was someone hidden in your room when you had a rest day every other day on holiday. Clumsy and always bruised and the saltiest bacon soup in the world. Serious about her career and so caring to all her patients. My mums best friend. You were a huge part of my growing up and I feel so devastated that Eden and the other family children, including your wonderful grandsons, don’t get to share you but you light will live on in them (hopefully with an air guitar). Always in the brightest colours, glitter and a headband or beret. Your laugh was infectious.
I will miss you, there will forever be an Erika shaped hole in our hearts!

We worked together many years ago at Hellingly and I remember you with love .I loved to follow your postings on Facebook, reading about your holidays, your family and your ongoing zest for life. I am sorry that I cannot make it to the celebration of your life but my thoughts will be with you and your family on the day. x Chris Field

Not many people on this earth can leave such a lasting impression after just one encounter. We were fortunate to share our honeymoon with Erika and John, creating cherished memories with Erika, who truly was the life of the party—genuinely kind and outspoken. She was never shy to speak her mind and brought light to any gathering. Although we have not seen Erika in the past 12 years, we have followed her achievements on social media and can tell she lived the life she wanted. Our condolences to John and the family. She will be deeply missed by us.

With love, Kurt & Kelly x