Erika Maria Reichel

Erika Maria Reichel (born Lyschik) passed away peacefully on December 20th at age 91. Born in Germany, she was one of four children. She became a teenager during World War II, when the family lost their home in the fighting. Holding her very young nephew in her arms, she even survived a Russian air attack, throwing herself into a ditch, covering the young boy.

Ending up in Munich, Germany, where she met her new husband Richard, the couple came to America on the Queen Elizabeth. Eventually they made their home in San Francisco, CA, where Erika sought to learn English and get a job. She got her first break at Hartford Insurance, meeting one of her future bosses in the elevator. It was so simple in those days. He asked her what her skills were and said “come with me”. After that, she worked for Levi Strauss & Company in the computer department until her retirement.

Erika and Richard came to Salem in the early 90’s to be near their only son, Robert. She was mostly a home body, devoting her last many years to taking care of her husband, who died earlier this year, at age 99. Because of her, the couple was able to stay in their primary home until the end. A few months ago, Erika moved into Hidden Lakes retirement community, where she flourished and quickly made new friends. Erika is preceded in death by her sister Elisabeth, and a kind and loving brother Erich. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Bernhard Lyschik in Dusseldorf, Germany, son Robert, daughter-in-law Mary, and several nieces and nephews.