My son recently asked me about going to church more regularly. Realizing that I hadn’t been attending as often as I’d like, I started looking for a new church community after our move. I found a group that seems to be a good fit and plan to attend tomorrow morning. I’ve invited my daughter to join me, explaining how important the church community was to me, especially during a difficult time in my life.
My mom’s best friend, Marjorie Erikson, was the pastor of our church. She was an incredibly supportive and amazing woman of Christ. Without her help, I’m not sure how we would have gotten through that period. The church truly became our family.
While talking to my daughter about church, I started thinking about Marjorie. She might not have realized how much she meant to my mom, but to my mom, she was her best friend. Marjorie was amazing and always there for us, even after my mom passed away. She attended my wedding and my daughter’s baptism.
I’ve been feeling emotional today because I just found out in 2016 that she passed away. She was always on my mind, and I wondered if she was still alive or if I could reach out to her family. I wanted to talk to someone who embodied the love and acceptance that God teaches us. She was a light in this world, someone who loved everyone unconditionally.
Her example motivates me to be a better person. While I’m not a pastor, I believe that we should focus on showing love and acceptance to others, rather than judging them or excluding them. That’s not what God wants.
I learned from Marjorie’s obituary that she had been battling cancer for over three decades. This made me realize why my mom and Margaret were so close. My mom also fought cancer, unfortunately passing away in 1990. It was incredibly painful to know that Marjorie had been dealing with this for so long, especially given how quickly my mom succumbed to the disease. It’s a testament to her strength that she was able to fight for 30 years. While it’s difficult to understand why things happen, I’m grateful for the time we had with her and the impact she had on our lives.
Even though it’s been years, I wrote an obituary for her family to see. I’m not sure if they will receive it since so much time has passed. I wanted to express my gratitude for her friendship and the impact she had on my life. I hope her family sees it and knows how much she meant to me. Her legacy is something that everyone should strive for. She was a truly remarkable person.
To Marjorie Erikson and her family,
I know it’s been a long time, and our lives have taken different paths. I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for everything you and Majorie did for my mom during her illness and after she passed. Your support was invaluable to me and my brother. Mom couldn’t have asked for a better friend than Marjorie. Your kindness and generosity will always be remembered.
Rev. Marjorie Eriksen Faithfully served churches throughout New Jersey Rev. Marjorie Eriksen, 74, a retired, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, went on to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after battling cancer for three decades. A wake will be held at the funeral home of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler, located at 106 Main St., Madison, N.J., on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 12 noon to 2 p.m., with additional hours from 5 to 8 p.m. on that same day. Marjorie’s funeral will be held the following day, Friday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m., at Morristown United Methodist Church, 50 South Park Place, Morristown, N.J. Marjorie was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Her beloved parents, Lewis and Edith Gott, named her Marjorie, which means “Pearl.” Marjorie earned her B.A. from Hunter College in 1964 and her master of divinity degree from Drew Theological School in 1984. During her years of active ministry, Marjorie faithfully served churches in Gladstone, Mendham, Elizabeth, Bayonne, Mount Tabor, and Bloomingdale, N.J., prior to her retirement in 2012. Marjorie is survived by her beloved husband, Neil; her son, Christopher; her daughter-in-law, Rev. Jean Arlea Eriksen, who is also an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, and her sister, Judy, and her son, Gregory. Marjorie’s family requests that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the ministry and missions of the Morristown United Methodist Church, where Marjorie assisted her friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Dr. Brandon Cho, during her years of retirement.
