BETTY J. (DEMMER) ERICKSON

ERICKSON, BETTY J., (95), of East Greenwich, RI, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late John (Len) Erickson, who predeceased her in 2003 after 52 years of marriage. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late John and Josephine (Kimmey) Demmer; and the sister of the late Albert Demmer and his wife Harriett.

Betty grew up in New York and graduated from Flushing High School. She went on to earn her Bachelors Degree in psychology from Queens College where she met her future husband, Len.

Betty and Len built their house and their life together in Plainview, Long Island, NY. They were active longtime members and leaders of several congregations including Plainview Methodist, Good Shepherd Lutheran and Bethel Lutheran Brethren Churches. Betty retired from GEICO Insurance Company after years in sales and customer service.

She loved to travel, most often by car and later in a series of RVs. Driving through the night was a specialty. She could drive between Rhode Island and Long Island as if on autopilot.

Betty was the loving mother of Jan Lonngren and her husband Ken of Rhode Island; Brian Erickson and his wife Michele of Texas; and John Erickson and his wife Pamela of New Mexico. She took immense joy in raising her family and played an active role as Grandmother to 10,  and Great Grandmother to 18.

She enjoyed knitting a baby blanket for each new arrival. Once she moved to Rhode Island Betty became very active in Christ Church, East Greenwich, volunteering with their Homework Club, Grief Support, and Alpha programs. She also enjoyed assisting her grandchildren with homework, from learning to read to pre-calculus and SAT preparation.

Betty led a life marked by love, service, steadfast devotion, and prayer. She was known for amazing patience, cheerfulness and her warm presence. She was a terrific conversationalist, with a special gift for truly active listening.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, with a funeral service at 3:00 pm at the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Rd., Coventry, RI (I95/Exit 18/Rte.3). Burial will be held Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 1:30 pm in St. Margaret Cemetery in Plainview, Long Island, New York. iannottifh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of BETTY J. (DEMMER) ERICKSON, please visit our floral store.