Hazel Schanke Erikson
March 3, 1941 ~ July 11, 2014
Resided in:
Fletcher, NC
Fletcher – Hazel Schanke Erikson, 73, passed away Friday, July 11, 2014 at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock.
Mrs. Erikson was born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Albert and Antonette Pearson Schanke.
She graduated with a chemistry degree from Brooklyn College and then went on to receive her nursing degree from Union College in New Jersey. She loved traveling the world and taking pictures. Her photography was well known. One of her pictures was put on the cover of Birds and Bloom Magazine and another one won first place in the National Wildlife Federation and was placed in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. It was called the "Power of Nature." She never went anywhere without her camera and a smile.
Hazel is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Ronald Erikson; a daughter, Kristine Freeman and her husband, Herb of Arden; a son, Dr. Scott Erikson and his wife, Katy of High Point, NC; five grandchildren, Katie Freeman, Anna Jane Freeman, Gwyn Erikson, Henry Erikson and Charlie Erikson; a sister, Lisa Jensen and a brother, Anton Schanke.
No services are scheduled at this time but the family will have a celebration of life held at their home at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to either, Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 or to the American Brain Tumor Association, www.abta.org
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Our condolences go out to Ron and Hazel’s family. Hazel was one of the first people we met at Sunset Bay because of her outgoing, friendly nature and interest in people and life. We will sincerely miss spotting Hazel with her camera in the most unusual places. Her photos brought us joy and were quite inspirational. Your family is in our thoughts in this time of sorrow.
When I moved to NC and joined the nature photographers’ association,
Hazel was so friendly and became a mentor to me. I was inspired by her career
change to feed her passion for photography.
She sold me her photo equipment when she upgraded and was always supportive
and encouraging. She reflected her love of life and beauty and gave it to us
all in her breathtaking photographs. I am so appreciative of her generosity of spirit and wish peace and comfort to Ron and her family.
Jan and I met Ellen and Ron Erickson at Sunset Bay. We had many interesting discussions; Ellen with her photography and zest for life and Ron helping Sunset Bay to develop as a community. Both are well educated and kind people with an empathy for others. Ellen passed early but she had an interesting and stimulating life. She going to be missed by Ron and all of us. Peace be with both of you.
Your friends always, Jan and Carl Asp, 256 Sunset Bay and 602 Gay Street, Unit 902, Knoxville,TN, 37902.
Hazel and Ron were such wonderful neighbors in Sunset Bay. Her photography was exceptional and she was so generous to share it with her neighbors in Sunset Bay and the community of Union County. They were such an asset to our community and we miss them both a great deal. Prayers for peace and comfort to Ron and their family.
Hazel was a wonderful neighbor. She was always so kind to my husband and I. Ron was a wonderful person and we will miss them. God has gathered another angel. Our deepest sympathy.
Alan& Kim Smith.
Hazel knew her brother Anton (acky)?was a sexual molester and never told her sister in law and 3 children were molested by her brother who was never allowed around her children. Hazel committed a big sin.