Andrea Erickson's Obituary
Andrea Erickson, a Lupus Warrior, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and wife, also my best friend and the love of my life, passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 6, 2026 due to complications from Lupus.
Born on March 15th 1956 (The Ides of March) at Tacoma General Hospital, she was fiercely proud of her Tacoma roots. She was a graduate of Sherman Elementary, Mason Jr. High, and Stadium High School (Go Tigers) and adored her graduating class of 76 and her close friends who were sisters in their Sissy club. After graduation Andrea started her career at West Tours which became part of Holland America Cruises. Andrea worked two stints with Holland America in their HR Department and later in their IT Department which combined totaled over 20 years with the company. She later worked for Smyth Barney and Watson’s Nursery in order to be closer to home and her aging mother. She retired from her professional work in 2006 to take care of her mother after a major stroke.
Andrea loved to garden and was a past member of the Tacoma Rose Society. At one point she had over 200 roses growing on our small corner lot which she cared for from March to October every year. She won many awards at local rose shows and the Puyallup Fair, including Princess of the Show at the Tacoma Rose Society’s annual show.
After retiring from her garden to condominium life, Andrea concentrated on one of her first loves, art. Working in many mediums, Andrea eventually worked almost exclusively in Sumi painting and calligraphy. She was a past member and board member of the Puget Sound Sumi Artists association. She exhibited in many regional galleys and shows, and won numerous honors and awards. She exhibited at the National Sumi Society, 25th Annual Show, Clearwater, FL and won the 1st place award for innovative calligraphy. She was invited to show her work with the Australian Sumi Artist at the Orange Regional Gallery, Orange, Australia and was a featured artist of the web-site Asian Brush Painting, Taiwan, China. She was curator of flow Gallery in the Puyallup Ave. art community of Tacoma and featured the artwork of many local artists covering a huge range of art mediums.
Andrea was a huge Mariners fan, enjoyed hiking and snow shoeing, and was one heck of a fisherman, always catching the most and the largest fish on every trip! She loved the beach and Kauai HI.
Andrea loved her mother dearly and, after her death, grieved for mother the rest of her life.
When we were first dating, I took Andrea fishing. After no luck at first, I mentioned that we should move to a new spot. Before I knew it she was hauling up the anchor without even being asked, and I knew right then I had to marry this girl!
I often said that Andrea was too good of a person for this world. Too kind, giving, and empathetic, for what this world deserved. She had a gift of understanding and perception. Complete strangers and children would walk up to her in public and tell their life stories or major issues they were dealing with, and Andrea would listen and by giving small words of advice or encouragement. She was truly a beautiful soul.
Andrea was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Adlyn Finkas, her stepdad, Lester Finkas, and her father Leslie Beckstead. She is survived by her brother David Beckstead, wife Jane, nephews Shawn and Eric, her brother Brent Beckstead, wife Holly, nephew Jordon, and by her nieces Katharyn Ring Hoffman, Lauren Ring, Marjorie Kelespitz Renwick Forester, and Anne Kauth Warren, and her nephews Eric Ring, Adam Foreman, Gunnar Kauth and Henry Charles Kauth, who all loved their Aunt Andrea.
And by her husband Gust Erickson and her beloved cat Symba who miss her dearly and as I have said over the length of our 36 year journey together I will love you Forever & Always.
The family is not planning a public service.
Charitable donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America at their website https://www.lupus.org and can be noted in Memory of Andrea Erickson and would be greatly appreciated.
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