“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Erika Grace Nelson Liebert, age 33, won her battle with breast cancer and met her Maker on the morning of Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. She passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI, surrounded by her husband and family.
Erika was born on Jan. 7, 1981, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School in Waukesha, and then moved to Merrill with her family where she attended St. Francis Catholic Grade School followed by Merrill High School. During her high school years, she was first chair clarinet for the marching band, an accomplished pianist, president of the National Honor Society, and a member of the art club.
After graduating from Merrill High, Erika started to pursue her dream of becoming a pharmacist. She was accepted to UW-Madison School of Pharmacy, but after finishing one year, switched her major to psychology and moved back to Waukesha where she attended Carroll College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Pharmacy, however, always remained in her heart. In 2010, after much hard work and dedication, she was once again accepted to UW-Madison School of Pharmacy.
In February of 2013, Erika was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She endured the recommended treatments while continuing to attend school, and even made the honor roll during this time. After all treatments were complete, she was told there were no more signs of cancer and that she could move on with her life.
She married her true love, Bill Liebert on Oct. 4, 2013. It was a lovely, intimate ceremony at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Milwaukee. Erika continued to attend pharmacy school and was starting to plan out her life with her new husband.
By late March of 2014, the cancer had returned. Erika began chemotherapy treatment again. She decided to take a break from school this time around, but kept working as a pharmacy intern. In May of 2014, Erika was able to walk with her graduating pharmacy class and received an honorary Doctorate of Pharmacy. She had completed all coursework and had just two clinical rotations remaining.
Erika forever remains a fighter. She fought so hard to live, to give, and to teach others. Her strength and grace will never be forgotten. She touched so many people through her CaringBridge journal and ‘Erika’s Grace’ videos. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, an amazing sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and friend. She showed us how to live, and how to win in life. Erika loved to knit, especially sweaters and hats for her nieces, nephews, and friends’ babies. She was also an avid gardener and loved spending time outdoors. Her beautiful smile will shine on in our hearts forever.
Erika is survived by her husband, Bill Liebert; parents, David and Dawn (Ehli) Nelson; siblings, Kirsten (Derek) DeGroot, Robert (Stephanie), Becky (Mat Rowen), Bobby Hoffman; nieces, Lauren, Kara, Abby, and Josie; nephews, Wesley and Arthur; several aunts and uncles, maternal grandparents and great-grandmother; her husband’s family, and many friends. Erika was preceded in death by her dear sister Kathryn and by her paternal grandparents.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Duane and Kevin, the dear friends that opened up their home to Erika while she was receiving treatments at UW Health this past year. Your unconditional love of Erika will not be forgotten. The family would also like to thank the oncology staff at UW Carbone Cancer Clinic, especially Dr. Lee Wilke, Dr. Mark Burkard, Kayla, and Meredith. As well, the family is very grateful to the staff at Agrace Hospice, especially Dr. Kinsley and Dr. Berger, for the outstanding compassionate care they gave to Erika.
Erika, you win, and we all win for being able to share in your journey.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. The Rev. Michael McLain will preside. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.