It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, oma, uroma, and friend, Erika Lehr, 87. Erika passed away after a sudden illness on June 21, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Erika was born on March 13, 1939, in Wischezahn, Germany. At the young age of 18 her adventurist spirit led her to board a ship to Canada where she took a job as a nanny to a German businessman in Midland, Ontario. It was there that she met and married Karl in 1959. Together they had 5 children, Angie, Tina, Monica, Bob, and Chuck. Karl and Erika achieved their dream of retiring in the Bavarian City of the Rockies, Kimberley, BC, in 1994.

Erika has always been a very active member of her community, generously giving her time organizing and volunteering at numerous events throughout her life. She was very social, a proud member of the Red Hat Society, Catholic Women’s League, the Kimberley Community Choir, and the German Canadian Club, as well as her weekly coffee and swim ladies group.

She will be remembered for her candid and expressive nature, her use of a combination of English and German words, sending greeting cards, late night texts, and most of all, her smile.

Erika is survived by her children: Angie (Wes), Tina, Bob, and Chuck (Lisa); five grandchildren: Nichole (Lee), Richelle (Trevor), Derek (Alexa), Jaxen, and Charlie; four great-granddaughters: Alina, Avery, Adalyn, and Paisley; sister: Edith (Dieter); and siblings: Rienhart, Matius, Barbara, Berta, and Sonya. She is predeceased by her husband, Karl, and infant daughter, Monica.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kimberley, BC.

The family wishes to thank the staff at East Kootenay Regional Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or BC Cancer Foundation in Erika’s memory.

mcphersonfh.com