Mary Ada Hibma Erickson

Mary Ada Hibma Erickson passed away peacefully October 8, 2009, at the age of 97. Mary was born at home in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 23, 1912, to parents Otto Hibma and Ida van der Meij Hibma, both of whom were Dutch immigrants.   She was raised and educated in Madison, attending   Randall Elementary School, Central High School, and then graduating from the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1933 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics.   Mary was a member of the Phi Omega Pi sorority at the U. of W., and a long time member of Eastern Star.  She married Robert William Erickson, Sr. in 1933 and they lived in Madison during their early years of marriage.   They moved to Waupun, Wisconsin, in the early 1940's, and then back to Madison in 1954.   She was employed by the University Testing Bureau during the 60's and 70's; upon retirement she and Bob' bought a farm in the Barneveld area and enjoyed many years on ""The Farm"". She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Robert W. Erickson, Sr., her parents, Otto and Ida Hibma, her siblings, Perry Hibma (Emma), Theressa Roberts (Chester), Dr. Otto V. Hibma (Barbara), her son, Robert W. Erickson, Jr., an infant daughter, Barbara Jane, her grandson, Daniel Dean Perry and niece, Nancy Hibma Kreklow.   She is survived by her daughters, Connie Perry (Steve), Penfield, NY, Mary Pulley (John), San Mateo, CA,   her sons, Erik Erickson (Janice), McFarland, WI, Jon Erickson (Betty), Eau Claire, WI;   her grandchildren, Tami Olsen (Todd), Jennie Perry-Raymond (Jon), Erik Perry (Kris), Brek Perry (Tara), Stephanie Monday (Greg), Robert Erickson III (Emily), Tom Erickson (Jami), Kristen Tornow (Jeff), Erik Erickson (Heather), Shawna Droese (Mike), Erik Pulley (Dana), Austin Erickson (Jenna), Brittania Cubas (Jorge), and her great grandchildren, Ashley, Mackenzie and Erik Olsen, Brek and Danielle Perry, Kate, Maddie, Calvin, Ella, Will and Mia Perry, Liam Perry,   Alex, Peri, and Nicholas Monday, Nolan and Hayden Erickson, Sam and Molly Erickson, Ben, Matthew, Nick, and Sam Tornow,   Ayden Erickson , Sophie, Tristan and Caden Droese, Taylor and Trevor Pulley, Eve and Sevrin Erickson, and step great grandchildren, Ben and Chandler Hoeft. Mary was a dedicated, loving, kind and caring Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother who always put family first. She had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit that will certainly be missed.   Her positive attitude and wise counsel provided strength and guidance to all.   One of her favorite sayings was ""Whatever you do, do with your might, because things done by halves are never done right!""   Her home always had an open door with food on the table for all visitors and a warm, welcoming greeting.   She had many interests:   music, books, sewing, traveling, ice skating, and entertaining friends and family. Her travels included several trips to Holland to visit the areas where her beloved parents grew up.   She was so proud of her Dutch heritage.   Treasured memories for Mary include her very loving parents and happy childhood and the many summers spent at the cottage which her father built on Middleton Beach on Lake Mendota in Madison. In her retirement years she and Bob, after buying the farm, raised a variety of animals and always had room for the many grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved to be with Grandma and Grandpa and   who now have a treasure trove of so many wonderful memories of times at ""The Farm"".   Visitation for Mary will be at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin, 53705 on Thursday, October 15, 2009, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed immediately by services conducted by Rev. Dr. Robert D. Sichta, Pastor, Barneveld United Church of Christ.   Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.   Memorials may be directed to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital, 2025 East River Parkway, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414 in Mary's name, or to a charity of your choice.   Special thanks to the staff at Capitol Lakes Terraces and the Capitol Lakes 3rd floor Health Center for their kind support and loving care of Mary in her final year.