Erika Sperlich

It is with great sorrow that the family of Erika Sperlich, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend announce her passing on April 21, 2022 at the age of 94.

Erika (Steckel) was born on December 23, 1927 in Wittgendorf Silesia (Germany) to Karl Willhelm Steckel and Emma (Güttler). She met her future husband Paul Josef Sperlich in Winsen Luhe Germany and were married on July 1, 1950. Erika and Paul had two daughters in Germany: Christa and Inge Sperlich and after the family immigrated to Canada in 1959 a son, Peter Sperlich was born in 1962. While still in Germany they opened a very successful fruit stand and later in Calgary the couple opened up a European Delicatessen in 2 locations.

The family had taken several vacations in Beautiful BC and eventually settled in the Salmon Arm area in 1966. Erika loved to garden with huge flower beds and vegetable gardens. She eventually could be found selling her perennial flower plants at the local farmer’s market, having hauled everything there in her 1970 Volkswagen Super Beetle. Erika was also a great cook and baker. She made the best German cakes and Tortes! If you went to her place you were always offered coffee and cake.

Erika was predeceased by her husband Paul in 1987, and by her daughter Christa in 2016. Erika devoted herself unconditionally to her children and grandchildren as they came along. She had many friends in Salmon Arm….all her Kaffee Klatsch ladies, as well as in Vernon where she attended the German Church of God.

She is survived her daughter Ingrid Young (Brian), her son Peter Sperlich (Margaret), grandchildren Alison Young (Matt Perkins), Derek Young, Andrew Sperlich (Asten), Kim Olsen (Kody), Douglas Sperlich, great grandchildren Devon, Norah, Bailey Olsen and Jasper Sperlich.

A family gathering will be held at a later date to remember and celebrate Erika’s life.