Erika M. Standish

STOWE/MORRISVILLE: Erika Martina Standish, 98, formerly of Stowe and Morrisville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at the Bel-Aire Center in Newport.

She was born June 18, 1924 in Kitzbuhel, Austria; the daughter of the late Martin and Maria Handlhofer. She was educated in Austria. Erika was very athletic. During her younger years in Austria, she was avid gymnast and skier. She also enjoyed track and field.

Erika married John Standish in the mid 1940's, at the end of WWII and moved with her US Military husband to the United States. Together they raised two sons, and lived in several states including: Massachusetts, where they made lifelong friends.She worked as a seamstress and studied to  become a United States Citizen, which was a high lite in her life.

Each summer, Erika, would return to her beloved Austria to visit her family. Where she would enjoy Austrian music, singing and dancing. Following John's retirement from the Army, Erika and her husband choose Vermont and its beautiful Green Mountains and ski areas as their forever home; settling first in Stowe and later in Morrisville. She remained active, enjoyed new friends and flower gardening. She was the Matriarch of the family and will be missed by all who know her.

Survivors include: two sons, John Standish, JR and his wife, Ann Marie of Westfield, MA, and Thomas Standish and is wife, Betsy of Morrisville; a grandson, Ben Standish of Westfield, MA; as well as more distant relatives.

Erika was predeceased by her husband, John in 2020; and two sisters, Paula Handlhofer and Effie Robinson.

All services will be private, at the convenience of her family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Lamoille Home Health & Hospice, 54 Farr Avenue, Morrisville, Vermont 05661.

Arrangements are in the care of Dian R. Holcomb of Northern Vermont Funeral Service, 60 Elm Street, Hardwick. Online condolences are welcomed at northernvermontfuneralservice.com