Rosalynn D. Ericson

With heavy hearts, we remember and celebrate the life of Rosalynn Ericson, known to everyone as Roz, a longtime resident of Eastampton, NJ, a loving wife and mother, a beloved grandmother, a remarkable teacher, and a devoted gardener. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 53 years, Carl Ericson; daughter, Kristen Ericson Ripberger; son, David Ericson and his wife Kim; son-in-law Chad Ripberger; and her five grandchildren: Adeline, Liam, Madison, Levi, and Logan. Rosalynn will also be missed by her sisters, Ellen Garhart and her husband John, and Denise Howarth and her husband Skip; her brothers-in-law: Nils Ericson, Lance Ericson and his wife Helen, David Ericson and his wife Bev, and Lloyd Coudriet; her sisters-in-law: Linnea Schordine and her husband Pete, and Barbara Ericson. She will also be fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews and their extended families, and her many friends, neighbors, and former students. She was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Martha Heeren; her father-in-law, Nils E.N. Ericson; her mother-in-law Anna M. Ericson; her brother-in-law, Art Ericson; and sisters-in-law, Ann Ericson and Margo Ericson, whose memories we hold dear. Roz was born to Russell and Martha Heeren (née Peterkin) on February 24, 1947, in North Plainfield, NJ. She grew up in North Plainfield and spent her summers with her parents and grandparents at their family summer home in Hornerstown, NJ. She graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1965 and went on to attend East Stroudsburg State College in Pennsylvania, earning her BS in Education in 1969. On July 10, 1971, Roz married Carl Ericson, and in 1974, they settled in Eastampton, NJ. She spent ten years as a stay-at-home mother and homemaker before returning to teach high school sciences in Moorestown, NJ, in 1984. In 1986, Roz and Carl purchased their current home and property in Eastampton, where she devoted considerable time to beautifying the premises. Roz earned her Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from Rutgers University in 2002 and continued teaching, primarily Biology and A.P. Biology, until her retirement in 2014. While at Moorestown High School, she helped establish and was the advisor to the Moorestown Chapter of Students Against Drunk Driving. Rosalynn dedicated her life to nurturing and educating young minds, leaving an indelible mark on countless students who were fortunate to be in her classroom. Her passion for teaching was only matched by her love of gardening, where she spent many joyful hours cultivating beauty and growth in her own backyard. These gardens served as a peaceful retreat, a testament to her care and deep connection to nature. Her family was of greatest importance to her, and her five grandchildren were the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them. Unti, as the kids called her, spent a lot of time attending Saturday kids' sporting events, caring for family members, and hosting family gatherings. Rosalynn's legacy of love, wisdom, and kindness will continue to blossom in their hearts and in the lives of everyone whose life she touched. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral or viewing. Instead, a private family memorial will be held at a later date to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made in Rosalynn Ericson’s name to: online at stjude.org/donate, or via mail to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. May her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Rosalynn D. Ericson

February 24, 1947 - February 25, 2025