Erika Dzidra Purviance

Erika Dzidra Purviance, age 76 of Elkhart, formerly of North Carolina, passed away at her daughter Toni’s home in Elkhart on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Erika was born April 21, 1947, in Wuerzburg, Germany to the late Zanis and Anna (Dzidra) Pupols.

She is survived by her children Dawn (Scott) Nordman of Elkhart, Robert (Andrea) Harness of Osceola, and Tonia (Donald II) Stephic of Elkhart, along with her granddaughters Destany Harness and Nichole (Matt) Davis.  Surviving as well are 5 great-grandchildren: Autumn, Landon, Madison, Adelyn, and Avery and her siblings Ilga (Raymond) Tharp of Michigan and Ilona Mayer of Elkhart.  Preceding her in death was her sister Aina Hunt and her brother Carl Pupols.

There will be a celebration of Erika’s life at a later date. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with her care.

Erika was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time outdoors working in her garden and flower beds and loved to make crafts and do woodworking. Her creativity was put to good use as she helped design sets and costumes for the production of musicals such as the Phantom of the Opera in the Iowa theatre community. She also enjoyed traveling the US and was particularly fond of her mountain home and friends in North Carolina.

Most of all, Erika enjoyed the simple things in life such as being a loving mom, grandma and great grandma to her family.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of her life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.