Erika Elmendorf

As you gaze into the heavens this evening there will be a notable brilliant star, as it is with sadness Erika Elmendorf (41) loving mother of Haley Munson, left her earthly life to join her beloved heavenly family on February 18, 2024. Erika was born on February 25, 1982, the loving daughter of Patrick Elmendorf and Dianne (Clavelle-Elmendorf) James and soon became the center of pride and adulation for her grandparents Edith Elmendorf (paternal) and Clayton Richard and Marilyn Clavelle (maternal). Upon graduation from Mayfield Central School, Erika enrolled in Fulton Montogomery Community College where she earned her Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing and successfully completed the licensing requirements as a Registered Nurse. The consummate humanitarian and altruist, Erika passionately devoted her life to the assistance and care of others. Erika entered into the healthcare and medical field with steadfast and resolute determination to care for others, placing their interests above her own. Erika started her healthcare career as a mere teenager, volunteering as a “Candy striper” at Nathan Littauer Hospital, gaining invaluable experience and skills in exchange for her naturally empathetic and caring demeanor. Erika applied her knowledge and skills as a healthcare professional during her employment at Lexington ARC, Nathan Littauer Nursing Home and various healthcare facilities throughout the area. Erika clearly exemplified and demonstrated the pledge and promise of dedication, commitment and caring for patients and those in need. Erika’s strongest passion was the care and love for her geriatric patients, who she treated as friends and family. Erika’s lifetime of philanthropic accomplishments and her commendable healthcare career all pale in comparison to her love, admiration and devotion for daughter Haley. Erika counseled and guided Haley throughout her academic career and scholastic team sports, proudly savoring the time she shared with the daughter she treasured so much. Erika imparted a strong work ethic, serving as a paragon of virtue for her beloved daughter Haley. As an accomplished and skilled artesian, Erika would create truly inspired works of art she often gifted to her friends and family, providing lasting memories and a creative legacy. Erika cherished her two cuddle partners: her precious cats Guppy and Peanut. Erika will be eternally loved by her surviving family; her devoted and loving daughter Haley, father Patrick Elmendorf, Mother Dianne James (John), stepmother Melissa Elmendorf, brothers Kevin (Julie), Kyle (Tiffany), Anthony (Char) and sister Kimberlee as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins and several nieces and nephews. Erika, you will be greatly missed by your worldly family; but we know that we cannot have you and we are happy knowing that you will be reunited with your heavenly family, as they welcome you home with open arms. Erika was pre-deceased by her grandparents Clayton Richard and Marilyn Clavelle (maternal), George and Edith Elmendorf (paternal) and her uncle Bernard Claville. With the tenacity and steadfast determination of an undaunted warrior, with her loving family at her side, Erika fought an unwavering battle against this evil disease, however, despite her herculean efforts, even the most stalwart grow weary and reluctantly succumb to the battle. It was often said Erika never met a stranger, as every person in the world was just a friend she had not yet met. She loved with all her heart and was loved by all. Erika’s brief yet impactful life is best described by the famous quotation from May Angelou “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. Goodbye to a devoted mother, loving daughter and a beautiful woman. Erika’s family would like to thank the benevolent staff and volunteers of Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care for their dedicated care and understanding. The family will welcome memories at a Celebration of Erika’s Life conducted by the Amico Funeral Home, 150 South Main Street, Gloversville, NY 12078 on Wednesday February 28, 2024, from 6-8pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in memory of Erika to: The Shriners Hospital https://donate.lovetotherescue.org

Erika Elmendorf

February 25, 1982 - February 18, 2024