Verena (Wandeler) Erickson

Verena Erickson, a vibrant soul whose life was a tapestry of adventure, family, and service, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.   Born in Neuenkirch, Switzerland, to Anton and Marie Wandeler, Verena grew up on a dairy farm, the youngest of six siblings—sisters Marie, Frieda, Rosalie, Martha, and brother Toni. Her Swiss roots remained a cornerstone of her identity, and she cherished hosting her extended family, including godchildren Peter and Agnes Niederberger, Werner and Sonja Bucher, and countless nieces, nephews, and their children, for visits filled with warmth and connection.

After graduating school, Verena’s fearless, confident, fun-loving, adventurous spirit led her across the globe. In 1956, she worked at the Brussels World Fair, followed by nannying in the UK and serving on cruise ships in the 1950s. Her journey took a serendipitous turn when she met Robert Erickson in New York City in 1958 at the Astor Hotel. The couple married in 1960 and embarked on a shared life of enterprise and exploration, managing hotels in the Virgin Islands and Cape Cod before settling in Chappaqua, NY, to raise their family. In 1980, Verena and Robert founded Erickson Travel, a travel agency that reflected her passion for connecting people and places. She worked there until her retirement in 2000.

Upon retiring, Verena and Bob moved to Ipswich, MA, where she found joy in community and creativity. She volunteered as a gardener at the Whipple House and served as a devoted chaperone for the Sisters of Notre Dame, accompanying them to appointments across the North Shore. Her greatest delight, however, was babysitting her eight beloved grandchildren—Morgan, Heather, and Connor Mellinger; Peter and Colin Massey; and Jack, Will, and Charlie Erickson. She leaves fond memories with them of playing Canasta, Castle Hill Concerts, walks by the Ipswich River, and time at Pavillion beach.

Verena’s hands were rarely still. She was an avid gardener, knitter, and seamstress, and her love for card games like Canasta and Jass brought laughter to countless gatherings. An exceptional cook, she wove love into every meal, especially with her Raclette and Fondue dinners, creating traditions and family gatherings that will live on in all who were lucky enough to experience them.

Verena leaves behind her cherished husband of 65 years, Robert (Bob) Erickson, and their three children: Elizabeth (Lisa), Susan and husband Gregory Mellinger, and Christopher and wife Colleen. She was predeceased by her siblings. Her legacy of love, hospitality, and zest for life will endure in the hearts of her family, friends, and community. May her memory be a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know her.

A wake will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00AM to 10:30AM at Morris Funeral Home, 45 North Main Street, in Ipswich, MA.  Her funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00AM  at Our Lady of Hope Church, 1 Pineswamp Rd., Ipswich, MA. Burial will follow in Cowles Memorial Cemetery in Ipswich.  After the burial, there will be a gathering to celebrate Verena’s life.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Verena’s memory to the Sisters of Notre Dame, 30 Jeffreys Neck Rd, Ipswich, MA  01938 or to Our Lady of Hope Church, 1 Pineswamp Rd, Ipswich, MA  01938.

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