Mary Ann Erikson

03/23/1933 - 05/03/2024

Mary Ann was born in San Francisco to Norwegian immigrants, Hjalmar and Martha Samuelsen. Nicknamed “Cotton” for her white-blonde hair, Mary Ann was an active, adventurous, and fun-loving girl who loved the outdoors and enjoyed a large group of friends at Lincoln High School where she graduated in 1951. Mary Ann was an avid tennis player, a great bridge partner, and seldom lost a game of “Words with Friends.” She stayed active her entire life, and kept her keen wit and sharp mind until her last days. Mary Ann passed away peacefully after a brief illness at her home in San Mateo, Calif., according to her wishes and not surprisingly with grace and a little humor.

In 1952, Mary Ann married Erik Erikson, a union that would last 56 years until Erik’s passing in 2009. Mary Ann and Erik raised their five children in Millbrae, Calif., and were integral members of the close-knit Swedish community of Sveadal, their “happy place” among the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Sveadal was a place of serenity and beauty for Mary Ann and Erik, as well as the community of which many of their lifelong friends were members. The Erikson cabin in Sveadal was often full to overflowing and was the site of many joyous family gatherings and fun summer events. Mary Ann was known as “MorMor” to her family as well as to so many others, and adored as “Auntie Cotton” by her nieces and nephews.

In 2015, Mary Ann moved to the Peninsula Regent retirement community in San Mateo and quickly made many new friends. She often said moving to the Regent was one of her best decisions. Mary Ann was an attentive wife, mother and grandmother, and was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her parents; by her sister, Joan Peterson; and by her husband, Erik. Mary Ann is survived by her five children, Gail Jackson (Russell), Joanne Haag (Dennis), Julie Bowman (Daniel), Glen Erikson (Kathleen), and Keith Erikson (Deon). Her 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren brought Mary Ann great joy. Mary Ann was admired and loved for her friendliness, her warmth, and her generous spirit, and set a wonderful example of how to be kind to others. Her family will miss her playful spirit, her wisdom, and “hugs.” If you wish, donations to the Sveadal Memorial Fund in her memory would be kindly appreciated: Sveadal Memorial Fund, c/o Debbie Allustiarti, 1031 Cherry Avenue #39, San Bruno, Calif. 94066.