When someone like Erin, who has championed for others her whole adult life, passes away, there is a collective desire among those she has left behind to pay it back. This GoFundMe is a welcome opportunity for friends, family, and former students to give the same support back to her family, honoring Erin’s legacy and helping Tim and the girls as they navigate the road ahead. Gifts will be used for living expenses and college funds.

This woman has advocated fiercely for kids her entire adult life. The most important kids being her own three, amazing daughters who are losing their mom too soon at ages 10, 11, and 14. Her love for them was more than her love for anything else in her life which is apparent as you walk though their front door and see the girls’ pictures framed proudly around the house. She unapologetically raised independent, curious, funny, strong daughters. Even in her absence, Erin will be remembered by anyone who interacts with her children as they are mirrors of her beautiful spirit.

Tim, Erin’s husband of 25 years, is losing his cornerstone. These two have grown up together and formed a partnership beyond just husband and wife. They are best friends, the voice in each other’s heads, and one another’s anchor. Over the last two years, Tim has also added the role of “caregiver”. He has shouldered the weight of this role lovingly and without accolades. Since Tim became a father 14 years ago, Erin has called him “Mr. Perfect” for his mad “Dad Skills”, but he has quietly also earned the title of Hero Husband. Erin and Tim’s wicked humor and strong partnership has been the heart of their family.

Most of you know Erin as a beloved middle school band teacher. As a teacher, her students were always at the center of her decision making. She worked tirelessly to make sure those beginners developed a love of music. Her legacy as band teacher will be sustained through the countless experiences she curated for the kids: “'Cocoa and a Concert', university workshops, combined middle school and high school concerts, Chicago field trips, trash can band and so many other small moments for the individual students. She was a tireless advocate for music education and the RCS district K-12 music coordinator. In this capacity she spearheaded the launch of a district-wide orchestra program in 2018 that has grown and continues to thrive. Erin’s dedication to her students and her passion for music education created another generation of music teachers and performers.

This GoFundMe will allow all of those Erin has championed for and believed in to give back. To say thank you. To support the people that she loved the most.