Thoughtful, kind and considerate. That’s my Aunty Erica. These are my earliest and firm memories of the character traits of this dear woman. Even though she knew deep seasons of trial. As a young nephew on the occasions we spoke at family gatherings both in Australia and NZ, my Aunt Erica was thinking of others and in my particular case…of me. Asking how I am, did I have enough to eat or drink. Did I have fun? Wanting to know what my cousins and I got up to. What I was learning at school and in more recent years about my ministry as a Christian minister. She was genuine in her generosity and hospitality, which seemed effortless because they were combined with an ever-present joy. Erica always had an encouraging word, combined with the right season to say it. And what can be said of her smile, but that it was peppered with grace and gentleness, which was made all the more impressionable by those beautiful dark eyes. A woman of grace who will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered. She was also a woman of faith in her Saviour, Jesus Christ. So for me, it is not goodbye, but see you soon, my dear Aunty Erica. These are very well-known words of King David who went before us and are very much true for all those who believe the same…

Note from Verity Beatty: I remember Erica's beautiful coal-black hair and dark eyes. I used to imagine her with that lovely hair (she wore it longer when I first knew her) piled up with a comb supporting a mantilla! She was good fun and interesting to talk with. Entertaining at short notice was no trouble either. She was often called on to do this with people she didn't really know, but made them feel relaxed and welcome. Vale dear Erica. You always welcomed us folks from across the ditch, which was much appreciated. All my love, your sister-in-law Verity, whom you affectionately called Vee.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult and very sad time. We feel for Alan and Ruth, as losing a loving parent is not easy and the adjustment will take time. Our thoughts are also with Karel for losing a partner, wife and best friend. Dad, Rob who has lost a cherished sister. Erica was my aunt that I will always remember very fondly. She had a gift for bringing family together, no matter what the circumstance.  Our Seeing her and the extended NZ clan recently over Xmas, was especially sentimental and very meaningful.  She was a beautiful and clever minded soul that will be sorely missed. Take care, Erica and bless you. Nick and Pen xx 😘

Note from Brother Rob: I remember my "big sister", Erica, as I always called her. She was an intelligent woman who shone in the academic world as well as in her personal life. Erica earned a BA at Canterbury where she also met Dr Don Brash who later became the Governor of the NZ Reserve Bank, following the family's move to Washington USA. Don is the father of Erica's two children Ruth and Alan. Erica spent time in the public service, teaching people in prison to study English. Her talents included helping me with basic science, as the schools in Kenya did not teach these subjects until later years. Her early tuition led me to becoming a Mining Engineer. More laterally, Erica took an interest in Geology. She lived till just before her 85th birthday and will be missed by all who knew her. Minister Karel married Erica in later life, where she adopted the life of a Minister's wife and fulfilled a new role of assistance in a meaningful way and exulted in the fellowship of the Christian Church.